scent gland

noun

1. any of various specialized skin glands, occurring in many kinds of animals, that emit an odor commonly functioning as a social or sexual signal or a defensive weapon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scent gland¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

Scent′-or′gan, a scent-gland; Scent′-vase, a vessel with a pierced cover designed to contain perfumes.

From Project Gutenberg

With the thumb of the same hand he locates the scent gland just to the right of the vent.

From Project Gutenberg

The sternal scent gland of Eurycotis floridana (Blattaria: Blattidae).

From Project Gutenberg

The majority have a scent gland beneath the tail, from which the perfume civet is derived.

From Project Gutenberg