Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ductless gland of the endocrine system: An "endocrine gland" is an organ that synthesizes and secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues, rather than through a duct. These glands are part of the body's endocrine system, which regulates various physiological processes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The pituitary is a major endocrine gland located at the base of the brain.
  • Hormones released by an endocrine gland travel through the bloodstream to target organs.
  • Diseases can occur if an endocrine gland, such as the thyroid, produces too much or too little hormone.

Advanced Usage

• "Endocrine gland disorder": A medical condition affecting the function of an endocrine gland.
  • Diabetes is a common endocrine gland disorder related to the pancreas.
• "Endocrine gland secretion": Refers to the hormonal product released by the gland.
  • The study focused on the endocrine gland secretion responsible for regulating metabolism.

Variants and Related Words

• Endocrine (adj): Pertaining to endocrine glands or their secretions.
  • The endocrine system is crucial for homeostasis.
• Endocrinology (n): The branch of physiology and medicine concerned with endocrine glands and hormones.
• Exocrine gland (n): A contrasting term for a gland that secretes its products through a duct (e.g., salivary glands).

Synonyms

• Ductless gland: A direct synonym emphasizing the gland's method of secretion.
• Hormone-secreting gland: A descriptive synonym highlighting its primary function.

Related Phrases

• "Master endocrine gland": A colloquial term for the pituitary gland, due to its role in regulating other glands.
  • The pituitary is often called the master endocrine gland.
• "Endocrine gland function": Refers to the specific regulatory role of a gland.
  • The test evaluates overall endocrine gland function.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream