mammary gland

noun

any of the compound accessory reproductive organs of female mammals that occur in pairs on the chest or ventral surface and contain milk-producing lobes with ducts that empty into an external nipple, becoming functional when young are born and secreting milk for the duration of suckling.

mammary gland

noun

any of the milk-producing glands in mammals. In higher mammals each gland consists of a network of tubes and cavities connected to the exterior by a nipple

mammary gland

One of the glands in female mammals that produces milk. It is present but undeveloped in the male. In most animals, the gland opens onto the surface by means of a nipple or teat. Mammary glands number from 2 to 20, depending on the species.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of mammary gland¹

First recorded in 1825–35

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They don't need to: the pups will happily take turns being nursed from the same mammary gland, and this devoted and well-cared-for mother spends plenty of time with each of her many, many beloved children.

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The appearance of the virus in mammary glands — in cattle and even in non lactating mice — was also unexpected.

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In two of the tested mice, the virus was found in the mammary glands.

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Researchers had discovered antibodies against H5N1 in a slice of a mammary gland.

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“And this preprint said that cows have both avian and human receptors in the mammary glands as well as other areas of the cow, which may suggest that they're a mixing vessel.”

From

mammary mammatus

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