Medical Root
thyr/o
thyr/o means thyroid gland (from the Greek thyreos, meaning shield).
What does thyr/o mean?
The root thyr/o means the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that controls metabolism. It comes from the Greek word thyreos, meaning shield, because of the shield-like shape of the nearby thyroid cartilage. It appears in words about the thyroid and its conditions. For example, thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid. The longer form thyroid/o has the same meaning.
Example words using thyr/o
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does thyr/o mean?
The root thyr/o means the thyroid gland and comes from Greek.
What is thyroiditis?
It is inflammation of the thyroid gland, combining thyr/o with -itis.
What is thyromegaly?
It is enlargement of the thyroid gland, combining thyr/o with -megaly.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.