Definition

1. Noun:
   • An organ in the body: A gland is a specialized organ or group of cells that produces and releases specific substances (like hormones, enzymes, sweat, or saliva) needed by the body. These substances can be secreted through ducts (tubes) or directly into the bloodstream.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The thyroid is a gland that regulates metabolism.
  • Sweat glands help to cool the body.
  • The pancreas is both an exocrine gland, releasing digestive enzymes, and an endocrine gland, releasing hormones like insulin.

Advanced Usage

• "Glandular" (Adjective): Relating to or affecting a gland or glands.
  • She had a glandular fever.
• "Glandular tissue": Tissue that makes up glands.
  • The biopsy examined the glandular tissue.

Variants and Related Words

• Exocrine gland: A gland that secretes its products through ducts to an external or internal surface (e.g., sweat glands, salivary glands).
• Endocrine gland: A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream (e.g., pituitary gland, adrenal gland).
• Sebaceous gland: A small gland in the skin that secretes oil (sebum).

Synonyms

• Organ (in a biological/secretory context).
• Secreter or Secretory organ (more technical terms).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Glandular system: The system of glands in the body.
• Swollen glands: A common term for enlarged lymph nodes, often due to infection.

Noun

1. any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream