endocrine gland


noun

any of various glands, as the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands, that secrete certain substances or hormones directly into the blood or lymph; ductless gland.

Origin of endocrine gland

First recorded in 1910–15

British Dictionary definitions for endocrine gland

endocrine gland

noun

any of the glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, testes, ovaries, and the pancreatic islets of Langerhans Also called: ductless gland

Medical definitions for endocrine gland

endocrine gland

n.

Any of various ductless glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary, having hormonal secretions that pass directly into the bloodstream. ductless gland

Scientific definitions for endocrine gland

endocrine gland
[ ĕndə-krĭn, -krēn′ ]

A gland of the body that produces hormones and secretes them directly into the bloodstream. In mammals, the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland, as well as the ovaries, testes, and the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas are endocrine glands.

Cultural definitions for endocrine gland

endocrine gland
[ (en-duh-krin, en-duh-kreen, en-duh-kreyen) ]

A gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood. These glands make up the endocrine system.