1. thymus(n = noun.plant) genus thymus - large genus of Old World mints: thyme;
is a kind of asterid dicot genus
is a member of family labiatae, family lamiaceae, labiatae, lamiaceae, mint family
2. thymus(n = noun.body) thymus gland - a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes and aids in producing immunity; atrophies with age;
is a kind of ductless gland, endocrine, endocrine gland
is a part of immune system, cervix, neck
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the thymus gland. [1913 Webster]
thymus, n. (pl. thymi) (in full thymus gland) Anat. a lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates (in humans becoming much smaller at the approach of puberty) producing lymphocytes for the immune response.
Etymology:
mod.L f. Gk thumos
genus thymus, thymus gland, thymus serpyllum, thymus vulgaris