mammary gland

noun

: any of the large compound modified sebaceous glands that in female mammals are modified to secrete milk, are situated ventrally in pairs, and usually terminate in a nipple

Examples of mammary gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research has shown the highest traces of bird flu virus detected on the cow are around its mammary glands and in the milk itself, said Davis, a former dairy veterinarian. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

Kittens perform the same motion on their mothers’ mammary glands, which helps to stimulate the production of milk. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

Research suggests that incredible amounts of virus are shed in infected cows’ mammary glands, so the virus could spread through raw milk. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024

While the cow's mammary gland had loads of multiple types of flu receptors, those receptors were less common in other parts of the cow, including the respiratory tract and brain. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 13 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mammary gland

noun

: one of the large glands that in female mammals produce milk and in males are usually underdeveloped, are located in pairs on the abdominal side of the animal body, and usually end in a nipple

Medical Definition

mammary gland

noun

: any of the large compound sebaceous glands that in female mammals are modified to secrete milk, are situated ventrally in pairs, and usually terminate in a nipple