Cowper's gland

noun Cow·per's gland \ˈkau̇-pərz-, ˈkü-, ˈku̇-\

Definition of COWPER'S GLAND

: either of two small glands lying on either side of the male urethra below the prostate gland and discharging a secretion into the semen —called also bulbourethral gland — compare bartholin's gland

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Origin of COWPER'S GLAND

William Cowper †1709 English surgeon

First Known Use: 1738

Medical Dictionary

Cowper's gland

noun Cow·per's gland \ˌkau̇-pərz-, ˌkü-pərz-, ˌku̇p-ərz-\

Medical Definition of COWPER'S GLAND

: either of two small glands of which one lies on each side of the male urethra below the prostate gland and discharges a secretion into the semen—called also bulbourethral gland, gland of Cowper; compare bartholin's gland

Biographical Note for COWPER'S GLAND

Cow·per \ˈkau̇-pər, ˈkü-pər, ˈku̇p-ər\ , William (1666–1709), British anatomist. In 1702 Cowper described the bulbourethral glands. The glands had been described previously, in 1684 by the French surgeon Jean Méry, but Cowper's description was so excellent that ever since they have been more commonly known as Cowper's glands.