thyroid gland
noun Anatomy.
a two-lobed endocrine gland, located at the base of the neck that secretes two hormones that regulate the rates of metabolism, growth, and development.
Compare
thyroxine,
triiodothyronine.
Origin of thyroid gland
First recorded in 1685–95
Words nearby thyroid gland
British Dictionary definitions for thyroid gland
thyroid gland
noun
an endocrine gland of vertebrates, consisting in man of two lobes near the base of the neck. It secretes hormones that control metabolism and body growth
Medical definitions for thyroid gland
thyroid gland
n.
A two-lobed endocrine gland located in front of and on either side of the trachea and producing various hormones, such as calcitonin.
Scientific definitions for thyroid gland
thyroid gland
[ thī′roid′ ]
A two-lobed gland that wraps around the trachea and is located at the base of the neck in vertebrate animals. The thyroid gland secretes two important hormones: thyroxine, which regulates the cell metabolism necessary for normal growth and development, and calcitonin, which stimulates the formation of bone and helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood.