definitions

salivary gland

noun Anatomy.

any of several glands, as the submaxillary glands, that secrete saliva.

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Nearby words

salivary, salivary amylase, salivary digestion, salivary duct, salivary fistula, salivary gland, salivary glands, salivate, salivation, salivator, salk

Origin of salivary gland

First recorded in 1700–10
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for salivary glands

salivary gland

noun

any of the glands in mammals that secrete saliva. In man the chief salivary glands are the parotid, sublingual and submaxillary glands
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

Medicine definitions for salivary glands

salivary gland

n.

A exocrine gland that secretes saliva, especially any of major salivary glands or minor salivary glands.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for salivary glands

salivary gland

[ săl′ə-vĕr′ē ]

A gland in terrestrial animals that secretes saliva. In humans, three pairs of large glands, which include the parotid glands, secrete saliva into the mouth.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for salivary glands

salivary glands

[ (sal-uh-ver-ee) ]

The glands in the mouth cavity that secrete saliva.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.