How Do You Spell THYREOLYTIC?

Pronunciation: [θˌa͡ɪɹɪəlˈɪtɪk] (IPA)

Thyreolytic, pronounced /ˌθaɪriəˈlɪtɪk/, is a word used in medical terminology to describe a substance or drug that has the ability to suppress thyroid activity. The "thyreo" part of the word relates to the thyroid gland while "lytic" means to break down or dissolve. The spelling of "thyreolytic" can be broken down into its phonetic components. The "th" represents the voiced dental fricative /ð/, followed by the long vowel /aɪ/ and the 'r' sound /r/. The following syllable contains the short vowel /i/ and the unvoiced plosive /t/. The final syllable contains the /ɪk/ sound.

THYREOLYTIC Meaning and Definition

1. Thyreolytic, derived from the term "thyreo-" pertaining to the thyroid gland, and the suffix "-lytic" meaning destruction or inhibition, refers to any substance or agent that has the ability to suppress or impair the functioning of the thyroid gland. Thyreolytic drugs are commonly used in the treatment of various thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism.

   Thyreolytic drugs work by inhibiting the synthesis or release of thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), effectively reducing their levels in the body. This can help to reduce the excessive production and secretion of thyroid hormones associated with hyperthyroidism, thereby restoring normal thyroid function.

   The most commonly used thyreolytic medication is methimazole, which works by interfering with the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. Another popular thyreolytic drug is propylthiouracil, which not only inhibits hormone synthesis but also blocks the conversion of T4 to T3 in various tissues.

   Thyreolytic drugs are primarily used in the management of conditions like Grave's disease and toxic nodular goiter, where an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. By suppressing thyroid function, these medications can help to alleviate symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, and heat intolerance.

   It is important to note that using thyreolytic drugs requires careful monitoring and supervision by a healthcare professional, as they can have potential side effects such as agranulocytosis, liver toxicity, and skin rash. Additionally, such medications may need to be used for an extended period, and some individuals may require thyroid replacement therapy once thyreolytic treatment is discontinued.

2. Causing destruction of the thyroid gland cells.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for THYREOLYTIC

• rhyreolytic
• fhyreolytic
• ghyreolytic
• yhyreolytic
• 6hyreolytic
• 5hyreolytic
• tgyreolytic
• tbyreolytic
• tnyreolytic
• tjyreolytic
• tuyreolytic
• tyyreolytic
• thtreolytic
• thgreolytic
• thhreolytic
• thureolytic
• th7reolytic
• th6reolytic
• thyeeolytic
• thydeolytic

Etymology of THYREOLYTIC

The word "thyreolytic" is a medical term used to describe a substance or treatment that acts to reduce or inhibit the function of the thyroid gland.

The etymology of "thyreolytic" can be broken down as follows:

1. Thyreo-: The prefix "thyreo-" pertains to the thyroid gland. It is derived from the Greek word "thyreos" meaning "a large, oblong shield", which referred to the shape of the thyroid gland resembling an ancient Greek warrior's shield.

2. -lytic: The suffix "-lytic" comes from the Greek word "lytikos" which means "able to loosen or dissolve". In medical terminology, "-lytic" is often used to indicate something that disintegrates, destroys, or inhibits the function of a particular organ or tissue.