thyroid
thyroid Lexical Profile
thyroid Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in the front of the neck that secretes hormones regulating growth, development, and metabolic rate.
"The endocrinologist ordered a blood test to check if her thyroid was functioning properly."
The largest cartilage of the larynx, which forms the prominence known as the Adam's apple in the front of the neck.
"During the anatomy lecture, the professor pointed out how the vocal cords attach inside the thyroid."
A pharmaceutical preparation derived from the dried thyroid gland of domesticated animals, used to treat hypothyroidism.
"Before synthetic hormones became widespread, doctors routinely prescribed desiccated thyroid to patients."
• adjective
Relating to or denoting the thyroid gland or the main cartilage of the larynx.
"The patient was prescribed daily medication to regulate her thyroid hormone levels."
• Rhymes for thyroid
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century via French or Modern Latin from Ancient Greek 'thyreoeides' ('shield-shaped'), from 'thyreos' ('oblong shield'), originally referring to the shape of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx before being applied to the adjacent endocrine gland.