holocrine

[ hol-uh-krin, -krahyn, hoh-luh- ]

adjective

1. (of a gland) releasing a secretion that is a product of disintegrating cells.
2. (of a secretion) released by such a gland.

holocrine

/ ˈhɒləkrɪn /

adjective

1. (of the secretion of glands) characterized by disintegration of the entire glandular cell in releasing its product, as in sebaceous glands Compare merocrine apocrine

Word History and Origins

Origin of holocrine¹

1900–05; holo- + -crine < Greek krī́nein to separate

Word History and Origins

Origin of holocrine¹

C20: from holo- + Greek krinein to separate, decide