gland

¹

[ gland ]

noun

1. Anatomy.
   1. a cell, group of cells, or organ producing a secretion.
   2. any of various organs or structures resembling the shape but not the function of true glands.
2. Botany. a secreting organ or structure.

gland

²

[ gland ]

noun

, Machinery.

1. a sleeve within a stuffing box, fitted over a shaft or valve stem and tightened against compressible packing in such a way as to prevent leakage of fluid while allowing the shaft or stem to move; lantern ring.
2. stuffing box.

gland

¹

/ ɡlænd /

noun

1. a cell or organ in man and other animals that synthesizes chemical substances and secretes them for the body to use or eliminate, either through a duct (exocrine gland) or directly into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) See also exocrine gland endocrine gland
2. a structure, such as a lymph node, that resembles a gland in form
3. a cell or organ in plants that synthesizes and secretes a particular substance

gland

²

/ ɡlænd /

noun

1. a device that prevents leakage of fluid along a rotating shaft or reciprocating rod passing through a boundary between areas of high and low pressure. It often consists of a flanged metal sleeve bedding into a stuffing box

gland

/ glănd /

1. An organ or group of specialized cells in the body that produces and secretes a specific substance, such as a hormone.
2. See also endocrine gland

Derived Forms

• ˈglandˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• glandless adjective
• glandlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gland¹

1685–95; < Latin gland- (stem of glāns acorn); compare Italian ghianda

Origin of gland²

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of gland¹

C17: from Latin glāns acorn

Origin of gland²

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The prostate is a gland that is about the size of a walnut which sits just below the bladder within the pelvis.

From BBC

Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is a large gland that helps people digest food and regulate blood sugar.

From Los Angeles Times

He said a non-cancerous tumour had been found on his pituitary gland in his brain.

From BBC

About 80% of people with an overactive thyroid gland have it.

From BBC

Researchers generated three-dimensional images of miniature brain regions, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system and even traces of the nerves supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes.

From BBC