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
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 July 2024
The pig’s thymus gland, which plays a role in immunity, was placed beneath the pig kidney’s cover to further help Pisano’s body accept the organ.
—Maya Davis, CNN, 9 July 2024
These may include antibiotics to treat underlying infections, hydration, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy to relieve symptoms, or a thyroidectomy to remove the thyroid gland.
—Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 4 July 2024
Perchlorate interferes with the function of the human thyroid gland and also remains in the environment for long periods of time, impacting soil, flora, and fauna.
—Kristin Hostetter, Outside Online, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland 
Noun
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, dengue symptoms include a sudden high fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, swollen glands, nausea and vomiting, as well as joint and muscle pain.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 July 2024
The pig’s thymus gland, which plays a role in immunity, was placed beneath the pig kidney’s cover to further help Pisano’s body accept the organ.
—Maya Davis, CNN, 9 July 2024
These may include antibiotics to treat underlying infections, hydration, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy to relieve symptoms, or a thyroidectomy to remove the thyroid gland.
—Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 4 July 2024
Perchlorate interferes with the function of the human thyroid gland and also remains in the environment for long periods of time, impacting soil, flora, and fauna.
—Kristin Hostetter, Outside Online, 2 July 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 15 Jul. 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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