holocrine

American

[hol-uh-krin, -krahyn, hoh-luh-] / ˈhɒl ə krɪn, -ˌkraɪn, ˈhoʊ lə- /

adjective

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

holocrine British

/ ˈhɒləkrɪn /

adjective

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of holocrine

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the glands, sebum is produced within specialized cells and is released as these cells burst; sebaceous glands are thus classified as holocrine glands.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

In contrast, the process of holocrine secretion involves the rupture and destruction of the entire gland cell.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Apocrine glands release secretions by pinching off the apical portion of the cell, whereas holocrine gland cells store their secretions until they rupture and release their contents.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

They are holocrine glands and they are destroyed after releasing their contents.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023