Thymus
Pronunciation
- RP enPR: thīʹməs, IPA: /ˈθaɪməs/
- Rhymes: -aɪməs
Origin
From the Modern Latin thymus, from the Ancient Greek θÏμος (thumos, "warty excrescenceâ€, (also, as used by w").
Full definition of thymus
Noun
thymus
(plural thymi)- (anatomy, immunology) A ductless gland, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue, located behind the top of the breastbone. It is most active during puberty, after which it shrinks in size. It plays an important role in the development of the immune system and produces lymphocytes.
Usage notes
Contrary to its English pronunciation, the Ï… in the Ancient Greek etymon θÏμος (whence the y in thymus) is short, implying the pronunciation .