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thymus Definition

thy·mus (t̸hī′məs)

noun

a gland in the upper thorax or neck of all vertebrates, involved in the production of lymphocytes: in humans, it is most prominent at puberty, after which it disappears or becomes vestigial

Etymology: ModL < Gr thymos, orig., a warty excrescence

thymus Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • calf: Dr. Calman said that he would be advising Ministers that the distal ileum and thymus of calves should be proscribed as SBO.

Converse of object

  • include: They include the thymus, the bone marrow and the lymph nodes ( see ' lymphatic system ' ).
  • regenerate: The team now aims to establish whether the same cells can be found in humans and be used to regenerate the thymus.
  • enter: Blood from the inferior thyroid, and internal thoracic arteries enters the thymus.

Adjective modifier

  • bovine: The Report suggests, however, that manufacturers of baby foods should avoid the use of bovine thymus and offal.

Modifies a noun

  • polytrichus: In southwest England and in Wales wild thyme Thymus polytrichus often dominates this type of vegetation.
  • gland: Normally, your immune system is kept in peak condition by your thymus gland, which is located in your upper chest.
  • therapy: Preliminary evidence suggests there may be some benefits of thymus therapy on T-cell function, but this needs further investigation.
  • function: This has created a new view of the thymus function.
  • DNA: She and Ray Gosling begin work on calf thymus DNA samples given to Wilkins by Rudolf Singer in May 1950.
  • tissue: Since the occurrence of BSE and vCJD, bovine thymus tissue should not be used in schools.

Noun used with modifier

  • thyme: In southwest England and in Wales wild thyme Thymus polytrichus often dominates this type of vegetation.
  • calf: She and Ray Gosling begin work on calf thymus DNA samples given to Wilkins by Rudolf Singer in May 1950.