holocrine

[ hol-uh-krin, -krahyn, hoh-luh- ]

/ ˈhɒl ə krɪn, -ˌkraɪn, ˈhoʊ lə- /

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adjective

(of a gland) releasing a secretion that is a product of disintegrating cells.

(of a secretion) released by such a gland.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of holocrine

1900–05; holo- + -crine<Greek krī́nein to separate

Words nearby holocrine

holoblastic, Holocaine, holocarpic, holocaust, Holocene, holocrine, holocrystalline, Holodomor, holoenzyme, Holofernes, hologamous

British Dictionary definitions for holocrine

holocrine

/ (ˈhɒləkrɪn) /

adjective

(of the secretion of glands) characterized by disintegration of the entire glandular cell in releasing its product, as in sebaceous glandsCompare merocrine, apocrine

Word Origin for holocrine

C20: from holo- + Greek krinein to separate, decide

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012