What does glandular mean?
Glandular is an adjective meaning relating to glands, especially the tissue that makes up or forms part of a gland. In medical and biological contexts, it describes glandular tissue, glandular activity, disorders, or secretions. The word is formal and technical, but it has also developed a figurative, informal use for things perceived as intensely physical, muscular, sensual, or deliberately attention-grabbing. In that sense, glandular often carries a mildly critical or dismissive connotation, suggesting that something is more concerned with display or bodily force than subtlety. It is pronounced similarly in British and American English and is useful because it links a precise anatomical meaning with a familiar cultural metaphor. The term should not be confused with granular, which refers to small grains or particles rather than glands.
adjectiveOf or relating to a gland or glands, especially to glandular tissue or secretions. It can also describe something that resembles or consists of glands.
- Of or relating to glands or their secretions.
- Resembling or composed of glandular tissue.
"The biopsy revealed abnormal growth in the glandular tissue of the breast."
"The scan showed enlarged lymph nodes, but the glandular tissue itself appeared normal."
"His performance was so glandular that critics dismissed it as mere showmanship."
In medicine, glandular describes tissue and function; in informal use, it can describe anything conspicuously physical, forceful, or sensual.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glandular come from?
Glandular was formed in the early 17th century from Modern Latin glandularis, meaning “of or like a gland,” which derives from Latin glandula, “small gland,” the diminutive of glans, “acorn” or “swelling.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as gland and glandule. English later extended the adjective beyond anatomy into figurative descriptions of conspicuous physical or sexual expression.
Related word forms
How glandular is actually used
The term is standard in medical and biological writing. In informal English, especially in criticism or description of performance and appearance, it can suggest conspicuous physical energy, masculinity, or sexual emphasis.
Easily confused with glandular
Glandular means relating to or resembling glands, whereas granular means consisting of small grains or granules.