noun

thymus

THY-mus

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Thymus (noun) means a gland in the upper chest, beneath the breastbone, that is most active during puberty and helps the immune system develop by producing lymphocytes. Example: “The thymus lies in the upper chest, under the breastbone.”

noun

anatomy A gland in the upper chest, beneath the breastbone, that is most active during puberty and helps the immune system develop by producing lymphocytes.

"The thymus lies in the upper chest, under the breastbone."

"The thymus shrinks in size after puberty."

"Doctors checked the child's thymus on the scan."

How to use thymus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gland in the upper chest that helps build the immune system.

When to use it

It is a technical term used in anatomy and immunology.

Memory tip

Thyme, the herb, is spelled almost the same but is pronounced 'time', with no th sound, so check the context.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

thyme →

Common pairings

the thymus gland an enlarged thymus thymus function

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “thymus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ lies in the upper chest, under the breastbone.

Etymology

Thymus was taken from New Latin thymus, which came from the Ancient Greek word thúmos. That word meant a warty growth and was also used by Galen for the thymus gland.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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thymus gland

Frequently asked questions

What does the thymus do?

It helps the immune system develop by making lymphocytes.

Where is the thymus located?

It sits in the upper chest, under the breastbone.

What is the plural of thymus?

The plural is either thymuses or thymi.

What is the meaning of thymus?

"thymus" (noun) means a gland in the upper chest, beneath the breastbone, that is most active during puberty and helps the immune system develop by producing lymphocytes.