uropygial gland

noun

, Ornithology.

1. a gland opening on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used by the bird in preening its feathers.

uropygial gland

noun

1. a gland, situated at the base of the tail in most birds, that secretes oil used in preening

Word History and Origins

Origin of uropygial gland¹

First recorded in 1865–70