thyroid
Meaning
A large gland in the neck that produces hormones which control growth and metabolism.
Relating to the thyroid gland or the cartilage in the neck that is shaped like a shield.
Structure
Usage
The doctor ordered a blood test to check her thyroid function.
A swelling in the neck can sometimes indicate a problem with the thyroid gland.
The thyroid cartilage is more prominent in adult males and is commonly called the Adam's apple.
Etymology
The word "thyroid" has a descriptive anatomical origin, derived from the Greek thyreoeidēs, meaning "shield-shaped." This term was formed from thyreos, a specific type of large, oblong door-shaped shield used by ancient Greek infantry, combined with the adjectival suffix -eidēs ("having the form of"). The application to anatomy is attributed to the English physician Thomas Wharton in the 17th century, who used it to name the "thyroid cartilage" of the larynx due to its shield-like shape. Over time, the term's primary reference shifted to the adjacent gland, which is now its most common meaning, while the original descriptive logic for the cartilage remains.
Analysis
thyro (from Greek thyreoeidēs, meaning "shield-shaped," from thyreos "oblong shield"); id (a suffix from Greek -eidēs, meaning "having the form of, resembling").