Thyronines

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Iodine-containing amino acids produced by the thyroid gland that control metabolic rate and body temperature
2. Hormones synthesized from tyrosine in the thyroid that govern energy expenditure, growth, and developmental processes
3. Organic compounds containing iodine that are secreted by the thyroid to regulate metabolism and physiological functions

Etymology: The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the front of the neck, is named for its resemblance to a shield. Its Greek ancestor, "thyreoeidēs," combined "thyreos," a large oblong shield, with "eidos," meaning form or shape. Anatomists took the Greek term over whole. Thyronine is a chemical name built on that anatomical one, with the suffix "-ine," which chemists attach to nitrogen-containing compounds. The thyronines are the family of molecules derived from it, and the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine are iodinated members of that family. The plural form simply refers to more than one of these compounds.

Synonyms: thyroid hormones