oil-gland

A small oil-gland is visible on the skin's surface in this diagram.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gland that secretes oil: In biology, an "oil-gland" is a gland that produces and releases an oily substance, typically for lubrication or waterproofing. This is commonly found in the skin of mammals (sebaceous glands) or in other organisms (such as birds' uropygial glands).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The oil-gland in human skin produces sebum to keep the skin moisturized. (A gland that secretes an oily substance for skin health.)
  • Birds have an oil-gland near the base of their tail, which they use to preen their feathers. (A gland that produces oil for waterproofing.)

Advanced Usage

• "oil-gland" in comparative anatomy: In zoology, the term is often used to refer to specialized glands in various animals, such as the preen gland in birds or the sebaceous glands in mammals.
  • The oil-gland of a duck is crucial for maintaining feather waterproofing. (The gland helps keep feathers dry.)

Variants and Related Words

• Oil gland (noun phrase, alternative spelling): The same as "oil-gland," but written as two words.

  • The oil gland on a dog's skin can sometimes become infected. (A sebaceous gland in mammals.)

• Sebaceous gland (noun): A specific type of oil-gland in mammals that secretes sebum.

  • Sebaceous glands are a type of oil-gland found in human skin. (A gland that produces oily sebum.)

Synonyms

• Sebaceous gland: A gland that secretes an oily substance, especially in the skin of mammals.
• Preen gland: The oil-gland in birds, used for grooming feathers.
• Uropygial gland: The scientific name for the oil-gland in birds.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms specifically using "oil-gland." However, the concept of "oil" in idioms (e.g., "oil the wheels") relates to lubrication, but not directly to the gland.