Gland

Quick meaning: Gland is a noun meaning (botany) A secretory structure on the surface of an organ.

Meaning

(botany) A secretory structure on the surface of an organ.

More Meanings

1. (engineering) A stuffing box used to seal a rotating or reciprocating shaft against a fluid.
2. (zoology) 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).
3. (mechanics) 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.

Example Sentences

The gland of a tap/faucet is usually packed with string which has been soaked in tallow or similar grease.

Word Forms

• glands

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include gall, glandular, saliva, penis, blubber, grease.

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