What does glandule mean?
“Glandule” is a rare noun for a small gland or minor glandular structure. In biological and anatomical writing, it can distinguish a smaller gland from a larger organ or identify one of several glandular components. The word is more learned than everyday: modern technical prose usually names the particular organ or simply says “small gland,” so readers may encounter glandule chiefly in specialist texts, older descriptions, or translated terminology. Its formation reflects a productive pattern in Latin. Latin glandula was a diminutive of glans, meaning “acorn,” and the same root developed into English gland. French passed the Latin form on as glandule before it entered English. Although uncommon, the word remains useful when the small size of a gland is significant. It should not be confused with glandular, an adjective describing anything associated with glands. Its associations are primarily anatomical, botanical, and zoological rather than social or metaphorical.
nounA small gland or a minor glandular structure, especially in an animal or plant.
- A small gland or minor glandular structure.
"The glandule releases a small quantity of fluid when stimulated."
"Each glandule opens onto the surface of the leaf."
"The glandule was too small to be distinguished without magnification."
The regular plural is used in formal and descriptive writing.
"Several glandules were identified beneath the microscope."
Meet the “little gland”: Latin’s diminutive glandula, built from glans (“acorn”), eventually became English glandule, a rare term for a small glandular structure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How glandule is actually used
Rare and learned, chiefly encountered in anatomy, biology, and related descriptive writing. In ordinary technical prose, a specific anatomical name or the phrase “small gland” is usually clearer.
Easily confused with glandule
Glandule is a noun naming a small gland, whereas glandular is an adjective meaning relating to or having glands.