mammary gland
noun
any of the compound accessory reproductive organs of female mammals that occur in pairs on the chest or ventral surface and contain milk-producing lobes with ducts that empty into an external nipple, becoming functional when young are born and secreting milk for the duration of suckling.
Origin of mammary gland
First recorded in 1825–35
Words nearby mammary gland
mammaplasty,
mammary,
mammary artery,
mammary duct,
mammary fold,
mammary gland,
mammary line,
mammary ridge,
mammectomy,
mammee,
mammer
British Dictionary definitions for mammary gland
mammary gland
noun
any of the milk-producing glands in mammals. In higher mammals each gland consists of a network of tubes and cavities connected to the exterior by a nipple
Medical definitions for mammary gland
mammary gland
n.
Any of the milk-producing apocrine glands typically occurring in pairs in female mammals and consisting of lobes containing clusters of alveoli with a system of ducts to convey the milk to an external nipple or teat.
Scientific definitions for mammary gland
mammary gland
[ măm′ə-rē ]
One of the glands in female mammals that produces milk. It is present but undeveloped in the male. In most animals, the gland opens onto the surface by means of a nipple or teat. Mammary glands number from 2 to 20, depending on the species.