gland

Meaning

1. nounA specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland). .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
2. nounObsolete form of glans
3. nounA compressable cylindrical case and its contents around a shaft where it passes through a barrier, intended to prevent the passage of a fluid past the barrier, used for example around a ship’s propeller shaft or around a tap, valve or faucet.

   Example: The gland of a tap/faucet is usually packed with string which has been soaked in tallow or similar grease.

Source: Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0)