triiodothyronine

noun

tri·​io·​do·​thy·​ro·​nine ˌtrī-ˌī-ə-dō-ˈthī-rə-ˌnēn How to pronounce triiodothyronine (audio)
: an iodine-containing hormone C15H12I3NO4 that is an amino acid derived from thyroxine

called also T3

Examples of triiodothyronine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This hormone sends signals to the thyroid to create the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 14 June 2024 These include thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland to release two other hormones: triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4. Brad Reisfeld, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 The hormones that the thyroid gland makes — triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4 — affect all aspects of your metabolism. Mayo Clinic News Network, chicagotribune.com, 4 Oct. 2019 Your thyroid produces hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which influence many of your body’s systems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Zahra Barnes, SELF, 16 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

tri- + iod- + thyronine an amino acid of which thyroxine is a derivative

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triiodothyronine was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near triiodothyronine

Cite this Entry

“Triiodothyronine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triiodothyronine. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

triiodothyronine

noun
tri·​io·​do·​thy·​ro·​nine ˌtrī-ˌī-əd-ō-ˈthī-rə-ˌnēn How to pronounce triiodothyronine (audio)
: a crystalline iodine-containing hormone C15H12I3NO4 that is an amino acid derived from thyroxine and is used especially in the form of its soluble sodium salt C15H11I3NNaO4 in the treatment of hypothyroidism and metabolic insufficiency

called also liothyronine, T3

More from Merriam-Webster on triiodothyronine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!