I. ˈgland noun
Etymology: French glande, from Old French, glandular swelling on the neck, gland, ultimately from Latin gland-, glans acorn; akin to Greek balanos acorn
Date: 1692
1.
a. : a specialized 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 — compare endocrine gland , exocrine gland
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 ˈgland-ləs adjective
II. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 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