1. relating to or denoting a type of gland that secretes substances by releasing part of the cell cytoplasm along with the secretion
Usage: biology/anatomy term; contrasts with eccrine glands
2. relating to sweat glands found in the armpits, groin, and other areas that produce a thicker secretion than eccrine sweat glands
Usage: medical/physiological context

Examples

• Apocrine glands are concentrated in areas like the underarms and produce sweat that can cause body odor.
• The apocrine secretion process involves the release of cellular material along with the gland's product.
• Unlike eccrine sweat glands, apocrine glands do not become active until puberty.
• Apocrine sweat glands are larger and deeper in the skin than their eccrine counterparts.
• The term apocrine comes from the Greek word meaning 'to separate off.'