Thymus

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: thīʹmÉ™s, IPA: /ˈθaɪmÉ™s/
• Rhymes: -aɪmÉ™s

Origin

From the Modern Latin thymus, from the Ancient Greek θύμος (thumos, "warty excrescence”, (also, as used by w").

Full definition of thymus

Noun

1. (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 υ in the Ancient Greek etymon θύμος (whence the y in thymus) is short, implying the pronunciation .

Derived terms

• thymectomy