Thym

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small endocrine gland located behind the breastbone that produces T cells for the immune system
2. A gland situated in the upper chest that plays a key role in developing lymphocytes and immune function
3. An organ in the thorax that generates thymic lymphocytes essential for building immunity and fighting infections

Etymology: "Thym" is an older spelling of "thyme," the aromatic herb. It comes from Old French "thym," which took it from Latin "thymum," itself borrowed from Greek "thymon." The Greek name is probably linked to "thyein," to make an offering by burning, so the plant may have been named for its use as incense in sacrifices. English adopted the word through Old French in the Middle Ages, and the spelling "thym" was common in Middle English before "thyme" became standard. The "-e" was added to the end of many English words in that period, and the shift to "thyme" was part of that wider change in spelling.