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.

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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

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noun

1. See thyroid gland

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

thyroid Cultural  

1. A large gland in the neck that functions in the endocrine system. The thyroid secretes hormones that regulate growth and metabolism.

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Other Word Forms

• antithyroid adjective
• postthyroidal adjective
• prethyroid adjective
• thyroidal adjective
• thyroidless adjective

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

With the pressure inside my throat from the tube and the pressure outside the windpipe from my thyroid, maybe there was some damage to the nerves.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Viridian Therapeutics sank 24% after Amgen reported that its prescription medication for thyroid eye disease, Tepezza, met the primary and key secondary endpoints in a Phase 3 trial.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Worse, she had begun to suffer symptoms of what was ultimately diagnosed as Graves’ disease, a serious autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 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

“I've got diabetes, high blood pressure, a hyperactive thyroid, and poor circulation in my legs. And she’s worried about a little caffeine.”

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson