Lael logo

glándula means gland — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 23, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

glándula

noun • /[GLAN-doo-la]/

gland

Example:

La glándula produce hormonas.

The gland produces hormones.

🧠 What does glándula mean?

A glándula is a group of cells within an organ that produces and secretes substances, such as hormones, enzymes, or sweat, which are released into the bloodstream or into cavities or surfaces of the body. These secretions have specific functions, playing vital roles in various bodily processes like metabolism, digestion, and regulation.

📚 Extra examples

  • La tiroides es una glándula endocrina importante para la regulación del metabolismo.
    The thyroid is an endocrine gland important for regulating metabolism.
  • El sudor se produce en las glándulas sudoríparas para ayudar a regular la temperatura corporal.
    Sweat is produced in the sweat glands to help regulate body temperature.
  • El páncreas es tanto una glándula exocrina como endocrina.
    The pancreas is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland.
  • Una inflamación en la glándula salival puede causar dolor al comer.
    An inflammation in the salivary gland can cause pain when eating.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'glándula' comes from the Latin word 'glandula,' which is a diminutive of 'glans,' meaning 'acorn.' This likely refers to the shape of some early observed glands.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "glándula"

Synonyms: órgano secretor

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'gland' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'gland' is glándula.
How do you pronounce 'glándula' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is GLAN-doo-lah. The stress is on the first syllable, 'GLAN'.
How do you use 'glándula' in a sentence?
'Glándula' is used as a noun to refer to a specific gland or glands in general. For example, 'La glándula pituitaria' (The pituitary gland) or 'Las glándulas sebáceas' (The sebaceous glands).
What is the English translation of 'glándula'?
The English translation of 'glándula' is 'gland'.
Does 'glándula' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'glándula' is a feminine noun and follows standard Spanish pluralization. The singular is 'glándula' (gland), and the plural is 'glándulas' (glands).
Is 'glándula' common in everyday Spanish?
'Glándula' is primarily used in medical, scientific, or biological contexts. While understandable, it is not a word commonly used in casual, everyday conversation unless discussing health or anatomy.
Does 'glándula' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'glándula' does not have common slang or double meanings. Its usage is strictly confined to its biological and medical definition.
Is 'glándula' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'glándula' is used consistently across Spain and Latin America with the same medical and biological meaning. There are no significant regional variations in its usage.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store