Gland Definition, Types & Functions Explained

Meaning 1：secreting organ (gland)

gland 🔊

/ɡlænd/

A small organ inside your body that makes and releases special fluids or chemicals.

secreting organ 🔊

➕

/sɪˈkriːtɪŋ ˈɔːrɡən/

A gland is a specialized organ in the body that produces and secretes substances such as hormones, sweat, or enzymes for various physiological functions.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin origin: 'glandula' meaning small acorn, for shape resemblance.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'gland' as a 'land' where your body produces and releases fluids.

📖 Example

During my workout, my sweat glands were working hard to cool me down. 🔊 While exercising, my sweat glands were actively secreting sweat to lower my body temperature.

🔗 Collocations

sweat gland – a gland that produces sweat to regulate body temperature

endocrine gland – a gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream

salivary gland – a gland in the mouth that produces saliva to aid digestion

🔄 Synonyms

organ (n.) – a part of an organism that performs a specific function

secreting organ (n.) – an organ that produces and releases substances

🌱 Derivatives

glandular (adj.) – relating to or resembling a gland

glandless (adj.) – lacking glands

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'gland' derives from Latin 'glandula', a diminutive of 'glans' (acorn). It entered English in the 17th century for anatomical terms, describing small, acorn-shaped organs like the thyroid gland.