thyroid
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈθaɪɹɔɪd// UK //θˈaɪɹɔɪd// thy·roid
n. a small gland in your neck that controls how fast your body uses energy.
n. a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
The doctor checked her thyroid for any swelling.
She visited the clinic because her thyroid levels were affecting her weight and energy.
An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue and weight gain, while an overactive one often leads to anxiety and rapid heartbeat.
Borrowed from New Latin thyreoīdēs, from Ancient Greek θῠρεοειδής (thŭreoeidḗs, “shield-shaped”), from θῠρεός (thŭreós, “an oblong shield”) + -ειδής (-eidḗs, “-form, -like”).