gland

  1. Noun.  (zoology) An organ that synthesizes a substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
  2. Noun.  (botany) A secretory structure on the surface of an organ.
  3. Noun.  (mechanical) a compressable cylindrical case and its contents around a shaft where it passes through a barrier, intended to prevent the passage of a fluid past the barrier. Examples:.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.