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

The mammary gland, essential for nurturing offspring, exhibits significant variation across species. —Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024

My research focuses on generating mammary gland organoids from a variety of mammalian species. —Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024

Besides their role in breast and lymphoid cancers, animal studies have linked inhaling the gas to tumors of the brain, lungs, connective tissue, uterus and mammary glands. —Andy Miller, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024

Insights beyond the mammary gland Studying the mammary gland’s unique properties can also shed light on other areas of biology and medicine. —Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 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