scent gland

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of scent gland

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

Before the Chinese sealed the border between Tibet and Nepal, oil from the scent gland of the Tibetan musk deer was selling for as much as $600 per kilogram in India.

From Time Magazine Archive

The musk deer's scent gland, according to Charles Darwin, is the product of an evolutionary runaround.

From Time Magazine Archive

For long-range work he used giant binoculars mounted on a tripod; with these he could make out the scent gland of the hind leg of a butterfly a quarter of a mile away.

From Time Magazine Archive

A scent gland near the base of the tail secretes a strong musk-like odor which, although penetrating, is not particularly disagreeable.

From Camps and Trails in China A Narrative of Exploration, Adventure, and Sport in Little-Known China by Andrews, Roy Chapman

It is said that the scent gland can be taken out, though that is not necessary, and that the farms do well.

From Three Acres and Liberty by Hall, Bolton