shell gland

noun

1
: a looped tubular excretory organ of an entomostracan or the young of many other crustaceans that ends blindly at one extremity and opens to the exterior on or near the second maxilla
2
: a glandular organ in the embryo of many mollusks that secretes the embryonic shell
3
: a specialized glandular part of the oviduct of many animals that forms the egg's shell

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near shell gland

Cite this Entry

“Shell gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shell%20gland. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!