Glānd, n.
n. [Fr. glande, gland, gland, acorn, Lat. glans, acorn, and glandula, gland, literally a little acorn; Pr. glant, glan, It. ghianda, acorn, Pr. glandola, Sp. & Pg. glandula, It. ghiandola, a gland.]
Sense 1. (Anat.) A cell, or collection of cells, having the power of secreting or separating some peculiar substance from the blood or animal fluids. It is composed of follicles opening into a common duct for the conveyance of its products. Its action may be distinguished from that of simple cell action, as subserving a general economy, instead of that of an individual cell.
☞ There are two classes of glands, one, called ductless glands, for the modification of the fluids which pass through them, as the mesenteric and lymphatic glands; and the other for the secretion of fluids which are either useful in the animal economy, or require to be rejected from the body.
Sense 2. (Bot.) (a.) A small cellular spot or prominence which secretes oil or aroma, as in orange-peel. (b.) Any very small prominence.
Sense 3. (Steam-mach.) The cover of a stuffing-box; — sometimes called a follower.
Sense 4. (Mach.) A cross-piece or clutch for engaging and disengaging machinery moved by belts or bands.
