Thymus: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿซ
Add to dictionary

thymus

 

[ หˆฮธaษช.mษ™s ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy, biology

The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system located in the upper chest behind the sternum. It is responsible for the development of T-lymphocytes, or T-cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity. The thymus reaches its maximum size during puberty and gradually shrinks with age, a process known as thymic involution.

Examples of usage

  • The thymus is essential for proper immune function.
  • After infection, T-cells mature in the thymus.
  • The thymus decreases in size after adolescence.

Translations

Translations of the word "thymus" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น timo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฅเคพเค‡เคฎเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Thymus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ timus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะธะผัƒั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ grasica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ƒธ่…บ (ใใ‚‡ใ†ใ›ใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท thymus

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ timo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท timus

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‰์„  (hyungseon)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุบุฏุฉ ุงู„ุตุนุชุฑูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ brzlรญk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ brzlรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒธ่…บ (xiลngxiร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ timus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tรญmi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะธะผัƒั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ˜แƒ›แƒฃแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ timus

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ timo

Word origin

The word 'thymus' comes from the Ancient Greek word 'thumos,' which referred to the soul or spirit, and also linked to the notion of heat or vigor. The term was adopted into Latin as 'thymus.' This etymology reflects the organ's critical role in contributing to the body's immune response, which is often associated with vitality and health. In anatomy and medical literature, the thymus has been recognized since antiquity for its function in the maturation of T-cells, a crucial component of the adaptive immune system. Understanding the thymus and its functions has evolved over time, with significant advancements in immunology revealing its importance not just as an organ, but as a central player in both the development of immunity in youth and the decline of immune function in older age.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,800, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.