thyroid gland

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. a two-lobed endocrine gland, located at the base of the neck that secretes two hormones that regulate the rates of metabolism, growth, and development.

---

thyroid gland British  

noun

1. an endocrine gland of vertebrates, consisting in man of two lobes near the base of the neck. It secretes hormones that control metabolism and body growth

---

thyroid gland Scientific  

/ thī′roid′ /

1. A two-lobed gland that wraps around the trachea and is located at the base of the neck in vertebrate animals. The thyroid gland secretes two important hormones: thyroxine, which regulates the cell metabolism necessary for normal growth and development, and calcitonin, which stimulates the formation of bone and helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood.

---

Etymology

Origin of thyroid gland

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Russian scientists working with government agencies claim to have bioprinted human cartilage tissue and a mouse thyroid gland, with the aim of achieving human organ replacement by 2030.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

One suggested that going on a sunbed for "eight minutes" could prevent colds and flu, while another claimed that UV rays could "stimulate the thyroid gland" to help someone lose weight.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

The tumor had spread through the thyroid gland, onto the carotid artery and into the tracheal rings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2024

Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2024

My zoology thesis was a functional analysis of the thyroid gland of the three-toed sloth.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel