[ 'θʌɪrɔɪd ]
■ noun
1》 (also ~ gland ) a large ductless gland in the neck which secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism.
↘an extract prepared from the ~ gland of animals and used in treating deficiency of ~ hormones.
2》 (also ~ cartilage ) a large cartilage of the larynx, a projection of which forms the Adam's apple in humans.
Origin
C18: from Gk (khondros) thureoeidēs 'shield-shaped (cartilage)', from thureos 'oblong shield'.