anal gland

noun

: any of numerous glands, occurring solitary or in pairs or groups, near the anus and sometimes opening into the rectum: such as

a

: either of the paired glands of a skunk that produce an offensive secretion

b

: a gland in mollusks of the genus Murex that secretes a purple substance used in dyeing

c

: ink sac

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

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