gland¹ (glănd)
n.

1. 1. A cell, a group of cells, or an organ that produces a secretion for use elsewhere in the body or in a body cavity or for elimination from the body.
   2. Any of various organs, such as lymph nodes, that resemble true glands but perform a nonsecretory function.
2. Botany. An organ or a structure that secretes a substance.

[French glande, from Old French glandre, alteration of Latin glandula, diminutive of glāns, gland-, acorn.]

gland² (glănd)
n.
A device, such as the outer sleeve of a stuffing box, designed to prevent a fluid from leaking past a moving machine part.

[Origin unknown.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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