parotid gland

noun

: a serous salivary gland situated on each side of the face below and in front of the ear

Examples of parotid gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
About 19% of salivary stones form in the parotid glands. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2024 In this disorder, nerves regenerate after damage to either of the large saliva glands that sit on either side of the face, just in front of the ears, called the parotid glands. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parotid gland was in 1759

Rhymes for parotid gland

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Browse Nearby Words

parotid
parotid gland
parotiditis
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Cite this Entry

“Parotid gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parotid%20gland. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

parotid gland

noun
: either of a pair of large salivary glands located below and in front of the ear

Medical Definition

parotid gland

noun
: a salivary gland that is situated on each side of the face below and in front of the ear, in humans is the largest of the salivary glands, is of pure serous type, and communicates with the mouth by the parotid duct

More from Merriam-Webster on parotid gland

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parotid gland

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