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
Words nearby endocrine gland
endocranial,
endocranial cast,
endocranium,
endocrine,
endocrine disruptor,
endocrine gland,
endocrine system,
endocrinology,
endocrinoma,
endocrinopathy,
endocrinous
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
[ ĕn′də-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.