meibomian gland

noun

mei·​bo·​mian gland mī-ˈbō-mē-ən- 

variants also Meibomian gland

: one of the tubular sebaceous glands along the edge of the eyelids that discharge a fatty secretion which lubricates the surface of the eye

The meibomian glands, located along the edge of the eyelids, produce a lipid (liquid fat) outer layer that slows the evaporation of the watery tear layer below.

—Steven Larry, Prevention

The outermost layer is oily, produced by the Meibomian glands at the edge of the eyelid. Its job is to reduce evaporation of the tear film and smooth out its surface.

—Jane E. Brody, The New York Times

called also tarsal gland

see chalazion