n.
Pronunciation: ' th ē -k ə
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural the · cae \ ' th ē - ˌ s ē , - ˌ k ē \
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek th ē k ē case ― more at TICK
Date: circa 1666
: an enveloping sheath or case of an animal or animal part
– the · cal \ ' th ē -k ə l \ adjective