1.
gland
An organ or group of cells in the body that produces and secretes substances such as hormones, sweat, or saliva. Used in medical and biological contexts.
甲状腺の検査を受けた。
I had my thyroid gland examined.
汗腺から汗が分泌される。
Sweat is secreted from the sweat glands.
唾液腺が腫れて食事のときに痛みを感じるので、病院に行くことにした。
My salivary glands are swollen and I feel pain when eating, so I decided to go to the hospital.
USAGE:
Rarely used alone; almost always appears as a suffix combined with the type of gland. Note the kanji 腺 contains the 月 radical (flesh/body) plus 泉 (spring), reflecting its meaning as a bodily source of fluids.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 甲状腺 (thyroid gland)
- 汗腺 (sweat gland)
- 唾液腺 (salivary gland)
- 乳腺 (mammary gland)
- 前立腺 (prostate gland)
- リンパ腺 (lymph gland)