Definition of Lacrimal gland

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Lacrimal gland: A small almond-shaped structure that produces tears. The lacrimal gland is located just above the outer corner of the eye. The lacrimal gland is part of the lacrimal apparatus, the system that forms tears, conveys them through the lacrimal (tear) duct to the eye, and drains the tears.

The word "lacrimal" comes from the Indo-European "dakru" meaning "a tear, as from a weeping eye." "Lacrimal" is sometimes spelled "lachrymal."