thymus

Meaning

Noun

• A ductless gland, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue, located behind the top of the breastbone. It is most active during puberty, after which it shrinks in size. It plays an important role in the development of the immune system and produces lymphocytes.

Origin

• From the Modern Latin thymus, from the Ancient Greek θύμος ("warty excrescence, (also, as used by {{w")) thymus gland}}. thymos, and fume.