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Thymus vs Thyme - What's the difference?

thymus | thyme |

As nouns the difference between thymus and thyme

is that thymus is a ductless gland, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue, located behind the top of the breastbone. It is most active during puberty, after which it shrinks in size. It plays an important role in the development of the immune system and produces lymphocytes while thyme is any plant of the labiate genus Thymus, such as the garden thyme, species: Thymus vulgaris, a warm, pungent aromatic, that is much used to give a relish to seasoning and soups.

thymus

English

(wikipedia thymus)

Noun

(thymi)
  • (anatomy, immunology) A ductless gland, consisting mainly of lymphatic tissue, located behind the top of the breastbone. It is most active during puberty, after which it shrinks in size. It plays an important role in the development of the immune system and produces lymphocytes.
  • Usage notes

    Contrary to its English pronunciation, the .

    Derived terms

    * thymectomy

    See also

    * sweetbreads

    References

    * “ ?thymus]” listed in the [2nd Ed.; 1989
    ??) ----

    thyme

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Any plant of the labiate genus Thymus , such as the (garden thyme), , a warm, pungent aromatic, that is much used to give a relish to seasoning and soups.
  • (rfv-sense) (poetic, Ireland, UK, dated) A metaphor for virginity, chastity.
  • * 17th century , A Bunch of Thyme (traditional song):
  • Come all ye maidens young and fair
    And you that are blooming in your prime
    Always beware and keep your garden fair
    Let no man steal away your thyme
  • * 19th century , A Sprig of Thyme (traditional):
  • Wunst I had a sprig of thyme ,
    it prospered by night and by day
    ill a false young man came acourtin' te me,
    and he stole all this thyme away.

    Derived terms

    * (cat thyme) * thymic * thymol * (wild thyme)

    References

    * Source Guide to the Music of Percy Grainger * Bunch of Thyme – a coded warning to women