*thyroid*

n. (Med.) An abnormality of the thyroid gland characterized by the pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones; -- also, the resulting condition characterized by increased metabolism, weight loss, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, an enlarged thyroid gland and sometimes exophthalmos. It leads to, and may be confirmed by, high plasma levels of triiodothyronine or thyroxin.
Syn. -- thyrotoxicosis. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the sternum and the thyroid cartilage. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Gr. qyreoeidh`s shield-shaped; qyreo`s a large, oblong shield (from qy`ra a door) + e'i^dos form: cf. F. thyroïde, thyréoïde. ] 1. Shaped like an oblong shield; shield-shaped; as, the thyroid cartilage. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the thyroid body, thyroid cartilage, or thyroid artery; thyroideal. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thyroid cartilage. See under Larynx. --
Thyroid body, or
Thyroid gland (Anat.), an endocrine gland having two lobes, located in the floor of the mouth or the region of the larynx, which secretes two hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) that regulate the rates of growth and metabloism. In man and most mammals it is a highly vascular organ, partly surrounding the base of the larynx and the upper part of the trachea. Cases of hypothyroidism, where the gland is insufficiently active, can be treated by administration of thyroxine or a combination of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. --
Thyroid dislocation (Surg.), dislocation of the thigh bone into the thyroid foramen. --
Thyroid foramen, the obturator foramen. [ 1913 Webster ]