glandular

adjective

glan·​du·​lar ˈglan-jə-lər 

1

a

: of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products

b

: having the characteristics or function of a gland

2

a

: innate, inherent

the almost glandular … instinct for adventure and romance

—Newsweek

b

: physical, sexual

glandularly adverb

Examples of glandular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer starts in the glandular cells (cells that line the bladder and make mucus). —Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025

An elephant might be described as a mouse with a glandular condition. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 6 Nov. 2024

Women with dense breasts have more glandular tissue, making mammograms harder to interpret and increasing breast cancer risk. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 3 Oct. 2024

Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in the breast compared to fatty tissue. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing glandular

• glandular fever

Kids Definition

glandular

adjective

glan·​du·​lar ˈglan-jə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products

glandular activity

2

: having the traits or activities of a gland

glandular tissue

glandularly adverb

Medical Definition

glandular

adjective

glan·​du·​lar ˈglan-jə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products

2

: having the characteristics or function of a gland

glandular tissue