preen-gland Zool.
(ˈpriːnglænd)
[f. preen v.2 + gland2.]
= oil-gland s.v. oil n.1 6 e. Also called the uropygial gland.
| 1923 J. A. Thomson Biol. Birds ii. 12 There is a striking paucity of skin-glands, for there is usually nothing but the preen-gland at the root of the tail. 1954 Fisher & Lockley Sea-Birds viii. 190 This waxy oil..is similar in character to the oil from the preen-glands of birds. 1962 Listener 15 Nov. 807/2 It was noticed long ago that the bird rubs the beak on the preen gland which is situated on its back just in front of the tail. 1975 Wallace & Mahan Introd. Ornith. (ed. 3) iii. 84 The oil or preen gland (uropygium) is a conical, bilobed structure, often with a tuft of tiny feathers that serve as a wick, located immediately in front of the tail. |