Thymic
/ˈθaɪ.mɪk/noun
Relating to the thymus, a gland in the upper chest important in the immune system.
Did you know?The thymus and thyme share the same Greek root, because ancient Greek thýmos could refer to both the herb and the organ’s supposed resemblance or association, showing how early anatomy was shaped by poetic, symbolic language.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
θύμος (thýmos)
“Thyme; also a term associated with the thymus gland, likely because of resemblance or naming association”
Late Greek
Greek
θυμιακός / θυμικός (thymiakós / thymikós)
“Relating to the thymus or to thyme-like associations in learned medical usage”
Medieval Latin
Latin
thymicus
“Pertaining to the thymus gland”
16th Century
English
thymic
“Relating to the thymus gland”