uropygial gland

uropygial gland Word Origin noun Ornithology.

1. a gland opening on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used by the bird in preening its feathers.

Origin of uropygial gland First recorded in 1865–70 Also called oil gland, preen gland. British Dictionary definitions for uropygial gland uropygial gland noun

1. a gland, situated at the base of the tail in most birds, that secretes oil used in preening