gland

nounnounattested in dialogue

United Kingdom//ɡland//
Canada//ɡlænd//
Australia//ɡlæːnd//
/[ɡleənd] ~ [ɡlɛənd]/
/[ɡleːnd] ~ [ɡlɛeːnd]/

A specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).

noun

1
A specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
2
A specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland). A structure resembling a gland, especially a lymph node.
3
A secretory structure on the surface of an organ.
4
A stuffing box used to seal a rotating or reciprocating shaft against a fluid.
The gland of a tap/faucet is usually packed with string which has been soaked in tallow or similar grease.

Etymology

Late 17th century borrowing from French glande, alteration of Old French glandre, from Latin glandulae (“throat glands, tonsils”), plural of glandula (“a little acorn”), from glāns (“an acorn”) + -ula (diminutive nominal suffix).

noun

1
A compressable cylindrical case and its contents around a shaft where it passes through a barrier, intended to prevent the passage of a fluid past the barrier, used for example around a ship’s propeller shaft or around a tap, valve or faucet.

Etymology

Early 19th century, probably from Scots glam (“vice, clamp”), probably from a variant of clam (“clam; clamp, vise”). Related to clamp.

Forms

plural: glands

glamorous · Having glamour; stylish, attractive.glamour · Originally, enchantment; magic charm; especially, the effect…glance · To turn (one's eyes or look) at something, often briefly.

gland · A specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as…

Gland · A commune in Yonne department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté,…glare · An intense, blinding light.Glasgow · A major city and council area of Scotland, largest city in…

The neighbouring pages — Alphabetical order follows the rules of the language, not byte values: an accent decides only between two otherwise identical words, and Spanish files Ñ as a letter of its own.