oil gland

noun

plural oil glands

: a gland (as of the skin) that produces an oily secretion: such as

a

: sebaceous gland

b

: uropygial gland

Examples of oil gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Providers may prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin), an oral retinoid that shrinks oil glands for severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

The lips don’t have the same concentration of oil glands as other areas of the skin and are constantly exposed to environmental factors, such as lip licking, cosmetics, and cold weather. —Isadora Baum, Allure, 19 Nov. 2024

However, Fordyce spots are only found on oil glands that are directly on the skin, not those connected to hair follicles.43 What causes oil glands to enlarge is likely linked to hormonal changes. —Carley Millhone, Health, 19 Oct. 2024

Fordyce spots are enlarged oil glands on the surface of your skin. —Carley Millhone, Health, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oil gland

noun

: a gland (as of the skin) that gives off an oily substance

Medical Definition

oil gland

noun

: a gland (as of the skin) that produces an oily secretion

specifically : sebaceous gland