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Definition of Uropygial gland
1. Noun. Oil-secreting gland situated at the base of the tail in most birds.
Definition of Uropygial gland
1. Noun. A secretory organ, at the base of a bird's tail, that secretes the oil used in preening. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Medical Definition of Uropygial gland
1. A compound alveolar gland of birds located on the dorsum of the tail or pygostyle; the secretion of this gland (fatty acids and wax) exits from a papilla on the dorsal surface at the base of the tail feathers; the bird applies the substance to its feathers by means of the bill when preening. The uropygial gland is lacking in some species but its waterproofing ability is essential to water birds. Synonym: glandula uropygius, oil glands, preen gland. (05 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Uropygial Gland
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