thyro-

American  

especially before a vowel, thyr-.

1. a combining form representing thyroid in the formation of compound words.

   thyrotropin.

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thyro- British  

combining form

1. thyroid

   thyrotoxicosis

   thyrotropin

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Usage

What does thyro- mean? Thyro- is a combining form used like a prefix representing the word thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones regulating the body’s growth, development, and metabolism. It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology.Thyro- comes from the Greek thyreoeidḗs, meaning “shield-shaped,” based on thyreós, a kind of oblong shield used by ancient Greek soldiers. Learn more about the origins of this word at our entry for thyroid.What are variants of thyro-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, thyro- becomes thyr-, as in thyrosis.