noun Uncommon

gland

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Gland (noun) means an organ or group of cells in the body that produces and releases a substance, such as a hormone, sweat, or saliva. Example: “The thyroid is a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism.”

noun

An organ or group of cells in the body that produces and releases a substance, such as a hormone, sweat, or saliva.

"The thyroid is a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism."

"Sweat glands help cool the body down."

(mechanical) A sealing device that fits around a rotating or moving shaft to stop fluid leaking past it.

"A worn gland on the propeller shaft was letting water into the hull."

How to use gland

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA body part (or, in engineering, a seal) that controls the release of a substance.

Common pairings

sweat gland thyroid gland swollen glands

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: glands

Test yourself on “gland” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The thyroid is a _____ in the neck that regulates metabolism.

Etymology

Borrowed in the late 1600s from French glande, ultimately from Latin glandula, "little acorn" — glands were named for their shape.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 gland joined the language around 1600.

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Synonyms

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secretor secreter secretory organ

Related words

secretor

Rhymes for gland

and hand sand band wand land rand stand brand bland grand Chand

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Frequently asked questions

What does “gland” mean?

The word “gland” means an organ or group of cells in the body that produces and releases a substance, such as a hormone, sweat, or saliva. In plain terms, a body part (or, in engineering, a seal) that controls the release of a substance.

How do you pronounce “gland”?

“Gland” is pronounced gland (/ɡlænd/ in IPA).

How do you use “gland” in a sentence?

Here is “gland” used in a sentence: “The thyroid is a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism.”

What part of speech is “gland”?

“Gland” is a noun.

Where does the word “gland” come from?

The word “gland” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Latin. Borrowed in the late 1600s from French glande, ultimately from Latin glandula, "little acorn" — glands were named for their shape.

Is “gland” a common word?

“Gland” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “gland” have?

“Gland” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organ or group of cells in the body that produces and releases a substance, such as a hormone, sweat, or saliva.

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