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
Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025
Exposure to chlorate has been linked to potential health issues, particularly affecting the thyroid gland among children and infants.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025
The severity varies as some cases do not require and others are aggressive, spreading quickly across the gland.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Thick skin and tough scales on their legs protect them from burns, while unique glands in their heads excrete salt, enabling them to drink briny water.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland 
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Noun
Ashwagandha may also have adverse effects on the thyroid gland.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025
Exposure to chlorate has been linked to potential health issues, particularly affecting the thyroid gland among children and infants.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025
The severity varies as some cases do not require and others are aggressive, spreading quickly across the gland.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Thick skin and tough scales on their legs protect them from burns, while unique glands in their heads excrete salt, enabling them to drink briny water.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland
Dictionary Entries Near gland
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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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