parathyroid gland

noun

Anatomy.

1. any of several small oval glands usually lying near or embedded in the thyroid gland.

parathyroid gland

noun

1. any one of the small egg-shaped endocrine glands situated near or embedded within the thyroid gland: they secrete parathyroid hormone

parathyroid gland

1. Any of four kidney-shaped glands located behind or within the thyroid gland of many vertebrate animals.

2. ◆ The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone, which regulates the amount of calcium in the blood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parathyroid gland¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Two weeks ago, while home recovering from a surgery on my parathyroid glands, I took a sip of coffee and realized I couldn’t taste it.

Read more on Washington Post

She said she was tested after undergoing outpatient surgery involving the parathyroid glands in the neck that regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Read more on Seattle Times

The veteran lefty also missed part of spring training for surgery to remove one of his four parathyroid glands.

Read more on Washington Post

Perhaps the worst shock of early camp was news that Lester, a cancer survivor long ago, had such problems with low energy that he needed surgery to have a parathyroid gland removed.

Read more on Washington Post

Lester, 37, had a parathyroid gland removed March 5 and has made one exhibition start.

Read more on Washington Post