gland
1. gland \'gland\ n [F glande, fr. OF, glandular swelling on the neck,
gland, modif. of L ]gland-, glans acorn; akin to Gk balanos acorn 1a: a
cell or group of cells that selectively removes materials from the bl ood,
concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body
or for elimination from the body 1b: any of various animal structures
suggestive of glands though not secret ory in function {lymph ~} 2: any of
various secreting organs (as a nectary) of plants
2. gland n [origin unknown] 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