glands - Master This Word
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glands Word Meanings
- a small organ that produces substances such as hormones or fluids
- a cell or group of cells that secretes a particular chemical
- a tissue or structure within the body that has a specific function
glands Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
glands Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɡlænd/
US
/ɡlænd/
glands Word Etymology
gland = glandula (little acorn, like a small organ); Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a tiny acorn representing a gland that produces important substances for the body, just as an acorn grows into a mighty oak.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
gland is a small organ that produces substances such as hormones or fluids; it can be endocrine (secretions go directly into the bloodstream) or exocrine (secretions exit through ducts). Common glands include the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, salivary glands, and sweat glands. In everyday English, you’ll hear about glands when describing medical conditions or body features, for example 'sweat glands' or 'oil glands'. Learners often mix up gland with related terms like organ, tissue, or cell, and they may forget to pluralize 'glands' when talking about more than one. The word is usually used in scientific or clinical contexts, but it also appears in common health phrases.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Gland is a countable noun; plural: glands. 2) Use with endocrine/exocrine when precision matters. 3) Common collocations: glandular tissue, sweat glands, oil glands. 4) Not every body part is a gland. 5) Pair with body parts (thyroid gland, pituitary gland) for accuracy.
Common Misconceptions
- Gland is a muscle or bone; not true.
- All glands are visible like large organs.
- Glands create energy or power the body directly.
- Endocrine and exocrine glands are the same thing.
- Gland can refer to a vague lump or tumor.
Thinking Differences
Gland is a basic anatomical term familiar to English speakers; learners should connect it to specific organs and functions, and not treat it as a generic body part. Plural forms and common collocations matter for accurate usage.
Learning Tips
- memorize the two main senses: endocrine vs exocrine
- learn common glands and their functions (thyroid, pituitary, adrenals)
- practice plurals: gland vs glands
- use diagrams to locate glands on the body
- note collocations: sweat glands, oil glands
- read simple medical texts to see gland in context
Related Listening
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