preen gland — ▪ bird anatomy also called Uropygial, or Oil, Gland, in birds, an organ located on the back near the base of the tail. Paired or in two united halves, it is found in most birds. Absent in ostrich, emu, cassowary, bustard, frogmouth, and… … Universalium
preen gland. — See uropygial gland. [1920 25] * * * … Universalium
preen gland — noun Ornithology a gland at the base of a bird s tail which produces the oil used in preening … English new terms dictionary
preen gland. — See uropygial gland. [1920 25] … Useful english dictionary
preen gland — a large compound alveolar structure on the back of birds, above the base of the tail, which secretes an oily waterproof material that the bird applies to its feathers and skin by preening. Called also uropygial g … Medical dictionary
preen-gland — … Useful english dictionary
preen — v.tr. & refl. 1 (of a bird) tidy (the feathers or itself) with its beak. 2 (of a person) smarten or admire (oneself, one s hair, clothes, etc.). 3 (often foll. by on) congratulate or pride (oneself). Phrases and idioms: preen gland a gland… … Useful english dictionary
preen — I. noun Etymology: Middle English prene, from Old English prēon; akin to Middle High German pfrieme awl Date: before 12th century 1. dialect chiefly British pin 2. dialect chiefly British brooch II. transitive verb … New Collegiate Dictionary
Uropygial gland — The uropygial gland, or, more informally, the preen gland is a gland found in the large majority of birds that secretes an oil (preen oil) that birds use for preening. The chief compounds of preen oil are diester waxes called uropygiols.The gland … Wikipedia
oil gland — 1. See uropygial gland. 2. See sebaceous gland. [1825 35] * * * ▪ anatomy any of a variety of skin structures that secrete oily or greasy substances of various functions. In birds, the preen gland, or uropygial gland, located on the back at … Universalium
