parathyroid
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˌpærəˈθaɪrɔɪd//
KK: /ˈpærəˌθaɪrɔɪd/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the small glands located near the thyroid that help control calcium levels in the body.
Example
The doctor explained the role of parathyroid hormones in regulating calcium levels.
Conversation
Have you ever heard about parathyroid issues in people?
Yeah, I read that they can affect calcium levels in the body.
Exactly! It's interesting how parathyroid glands play such a big role in health.
For sure! I never realized how important they are until now.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glandular
endocrine
hormonal
Antonyms
nonendocrine
exogenous
external
noun
Definition
A small gland in the neck that produces hormones to regulate calcium levels in the body.
Example
The doctor explained how the parathyroid glands help control calcium in the blood.
Conversation
Did you know that the parathyroid glands play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in our body?
Really? I had no idea they were that important.
Yeah, they release hormones that help maintain bone health too.
Root Explanation
Parathyroid → It is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or near) and "thyroid" (from Greek "thyreoeides", meaning shield-shaped, referring to the thyroid gland). The word "parathyroid" refers to glands that are located beside the thyroid gland.
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'para-' meaning 'beside' and the root 'thyroid' referring to the shield-shaped gland, which helps you remember that parathyroid glands are located beside the thyroid.
Visually Confused Words
athyroid