Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

thyroid

American  
[thahy-roid] / ˈθaɪ rɔɪd /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the thyroid gland.

  2. of or relating to the largest cartilage of the larynx, forming the projection known in humans as the Adam's apple.


noun

  1. thyroid gland.

  2. the thyroid cartilage.

  3. an artery, vein, etc., in the thyroid region.

  4. Medicine/Medical. a preparation made from the thyroid glands of certain animals, used in treating hypothyroid conditions.

thyroid British  
/ ˈθaɪrɔɪd /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the thyroid gland

  2. of or relating to the largest cartilage of the larynx

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. See thyroid gland

  2. Also: thyroid extract.  the powdered preparation made from the thyroid gland of certain animals, used to treat hypothyroidism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
thyroid Cultural  
  1. A large gland in the neck that functions in the endocrine system. The thyroid secretes hormones that regulate growth and metabolism.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of thyroid

1685–95; variant of thyreoid < Greek thyreoeidḗs shield-shaped, equivalent to thyre ( ós ) oblong shield (literally, doorlike object, equivalent to thýr ( a ) door + -eos adj. suffix) + -oeidēs -oid

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Bondi, who said this week she is being treated for thyroid cancer, didn’t respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Biotin can interfere with certain blood tests used to monitor cancers, including prostate, thyroid, ovarian and breast cancers.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

One in five women in the study had treatable health issues, such as abnormal thyroid function and anaemia, which could affect their chances of a healthy birth.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

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

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "thyroid" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com