Thymus (noun)

A gland located in the chest behind the sternum that plays a role in the development of the immune system and the production of hormones that regulate the immune response.

Origin:

The word 'thymus' comes from the greek word 'thumos' meaning 'soul, spirit, or courage'. it has been in use in english since the 16th century.

Examples:

1. The thymus is an important component of the immune system and is responsible for producing T cells.
2. Damage to the thymus can result in a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections.
3. The size of the thymus decreases with age, leading to a decline in the immune function.
4. Studies have shown that the thymus plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response to various diseases.
5. Surgeons removed the patient's thymus as part of a treatment for a rare form of cancer.