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Glite Dictionary
bulbourethral gland

bulbourethral gland

8.1
One of two small male glands that make fluid to lubricate the urethra before ejaculation
  • noun
  • /ˌbʌlboʊjʊˈriːθrəl ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula bulbouretral
  • The bulbourethral gland secretes fluid that helps lubricate the urethra before ejaculation.

Examples

  • Unlike the prostate gland, the bulbourethral gland produces only a small amount of fluid.

  • Each bulbourethral gland plays a vital role in reproduction.

  • During the exam, the doctor explained the function of the bulbourethral gland in male fertility.

  • The bulbourethral gland produces a clear fluid.

  • The bulbourethral gland secretes fluid that helps lubricate the urethra before ejaculation.

  • During the exam, the doctor explained the function of the bulbourethral gland in male fertility.

  • Each bulbourethral gland contributes to the reproductive process by discharging seminal fluid.

Synonyms

Cowper's gland
vsbulbourethral gland
  • Specialized
8.1

Two small glands in men that make fluid to lubricate the tube for urine and sperm during ejaculation

has identical meaning but is the alternative formal term used in anatomy

Surface Forms

bulbourethral gland singular
bulbourethral glands plural

Morphology

bulbourethral + gland

The phrase is morphologically compositional: 'gland' denotes an organ that secretes fluid and 'bulbourethral' combines elements referring to a bulb-like structure and the urethra, so the overall meaning (a gland associated with the urethra) can be inferred from the parts. However, 'bulbourethral' is a specialized, technical bound form unlikely to be known by a B1 learner, making the term only partially transparent in practice.

Etymology

Bulbourethral gland describes the gland by its shape and place. bulbo means a small round 'bulb' and urethral means 'near the urethra', so the name points to tiny bulb-like glands that release fluid into the urethra.