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Glite Dictionary
endocrine gland

endocrine gland

1 4.3
A part of the body that makes hormones and sends them into the blood
  • noun
  • /ˈɛndəˌkraɪn ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula endocrina
  • The adrenal glands are a type of endocrine gland that release hormones in response to stress.

Examples

  • ... infection in a endocrine gland ...

    Neverlake (2014)

  • The thymus is another great little endocrine gland that releases thyroid.

  • It seems to be some small sort of, uh, endocrine gland, about the size of an adrenal gland.

    Crimes of the Future (2022)

  • The thyroid is an important endocrine gland that regulates metabolism by producing hormones.

  • When the endocrine glands function correctly, they help maintain the body's balance of hormones.

Synonyms

ductless gland
vsendocrine gland
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A gland that releases hormones into the blood to control body functions

is named for being part of the hormone control system

Surface Forms

endocrine gland singular
endocrine glands plural

Morphology

endocrine + gland

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'endocrine' (relating to hormone secretion) + 'gland' (an organ that releases fluids), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a gland that secretes hormones into the bloodstream. This formation is a standard modifier+noun compound and has clear cross-linguistic parallels, making it readily comprehensible rather than idiomatic or metaphorical.

Etymology

Endocrine gland: The name endocrine gland comes from old words: endo means 'inside', crine means 'to separate' or send out, and gland is a body part that makes liquid. So an endocrine gland is a gland that sends hormone 'messages' straight into the blood.