[gland] n [F glande, fr. OF, glandular swelling on the neck, gland, ultim. fr. L gland-, glans acorn; akin to Gk balanos acorn] (1692) 1 a: a cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body b: any of various animal structures suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
2: any of various secreting organs (as a nectary) of plants -- gland.less adj
[2]gland n [origin unknown] (1839) 1: a device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery
2: the movable part of a stuffing box by which the packing is compressed