What does gland mean?
A gland is a specialized organ or group of cells that produces a secretion. In an endocrine gland, such as the thyroid or adrenal glands, the secretion is usually a hormone released into the bloodstream. In an exocrine gland, such as a sweat or salivary gland, substances travel through ducts to a body surface or cavity. The word is used chiefly in medicine, biology, and anatomy, and it can suggest health concerns when it appears in expressions involving swollen or infected glands. The related adjective “glandular” is common in both medical and general contexts, as in “glandular tissue” and “glandular swelling.” Although the word may sound technical, glands are familiar features of everyday life, regulating metabolism, digestion, temperature, reproduction, and many other bodily processes. The term's history is unexpectedly pictorial: it comes through Latin and French from a word meaning “small acorn,” reflecting the resemblance of some gland structures to acorns.
nounA gland is an organ or group of cells that produces a secretion. Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands release substances through ducts onto a body surface or into a body cavity.
- An organ or group of cells that produces and releases a secretion, either through a duct or directly into the bloodstream.
"The doctor explained that the thyroid is an endocrine gland that helps regulate the body's metabolism."
"The doctor explained that the thyroid is an endocrine gland that helps regulate the body's metabolism."
"In hot weather, sweat glands work to cool the body by releasing moisture onto the skin."
The standard plural of gland is glands.
"The patient's sweat glands became especially active during the heat wave."
The word gland literally means “little acorn,” a surprising name for the body's tiny chemical factories.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gland come from?
The English word gland comes through French glande from Latin glandula, literally “small acorn,” a diminutive of Latin glans, meaning “acorn.” Latin glans and the related Greek word glandēs are associated with an Indo-European root connected with swallowing or gulping. The acorn comparison was also influenced by an early belief that glands drew in bodily fluids and then distributed them through the body.
Related word forms
How gland is actually used
Gland is primarily a formal anatomical and medical term. It is commonly used with specific structures such as the thyroid, adrenal, salivary, and sweat glands; the related adjective is glandular.
Easily confused with gland
Gland is an anatomical organ that produces secretions, whereas glad means pleased or willing.