1
a
: a specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body compare endocrine gland, exocrine gland
b
: any of various animal structures suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
2
: any of various secreting organs (such as a nectary) of plants
1
: a device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery
2
: the movable part of a stuffing box by which the packing is compressed
Examples of gland in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Venomous snakes inject venom using grooved or hollow teeth (their fangs), which are connected via a duct to venom glands on each side of the upper jaw.
—Laura Schober, Health, 15 Aug. 2024
In radioactive iodine ablation, people take radioactive iodine by mouth to destroy the thyroid gland’s cells, which ease the symptoms of Graves’.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Aug. 2024
Graves' disease affects the thyroid gland and causes hyperthyroidism, which is when the body produces too much thyroid hormone, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland 
Noun
The essential mineral has been studied for the following:
Thyroid health: Despite its small size, the thyroid gland contains the highest selenium concentration in the body.
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
Venomous snakes inject venom using grooved or hollow teeth (their fangs), which are connected via a duct to venom glands on each side of the upper jaw.
—Laura Schober, Health, 15 Aug. 2024
In radioactive iodine ablation, people take radioactive iodine by mouth to destroy the thyroid gland’s cells, which ease the symptoms of Graves’.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Aug. 2024
Graves' disease affects the thyroid gland and causes hyperthyroidism, which is when the body produces too much thyroid hormone, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gland.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near gland
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gland
noun1
: a cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body
2
: any of various animal structures (as a lymph node) suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
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