thyroxine

[thahy-rok-seen, -sin] /θaɪˈrɒk sin, -sɪn/

noun

Biochemistry. the thyroid gland hormone that regulates the metabolic rate of the body.

Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from the thyroid glands of animals or synthesized, used in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Symbol: T ₄.

Also, thyroxin

[thahy-rok-sin] /θaɪˈrɒk sɪn/ (Show IPA).

Origin

1915-20; thyr- + ox- + in(dol)e (orig. thought to be a chemical component)

British Dictionary definitions for thyroxine

thyroxine

/θaɪˈrɒksiːn; -sɪn/

noun

the principal hormone produced by the thyroid gland: it increases the metabolic rate of tissues and also controls growth, as in amphibian metamorphosis. It can be synthesized or extracted from the thyroid glands of animals and used to treat hypothyroidism. Chemical name: tetra-iodothyronine; formula: C15H11I4NO4

Word Origin

C19: from thyro- + oxy-² + -ine²

Word Origin and History for thyroxine

from thyro-, comb. form of thyroid, + oxy- + indole + chemical suffix -ine (2). So called from the original description of its composition.

thyroxine in Medicine

thyroxine thy·rox·ine (thī-rŏk'sēn', -sĭn) or thy·rox·in (-rŏk'sĭn)
n.
Abbr. T4
An iodine-containing hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland, increases the rate of cell metabolism, regulates growth, and is made synthetically for treatment of thyroid disorders.

thyroxine in Science

thyroxine

(thī-rŏk'sēn', -sĭn)
An iodine-containing hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that increases the rate of cell metabolism and regulates growth. Thyroxine can also be made synthetically for treatment of hypothyroidism.