Thymus

(ti'mus.) [L.] (Bot.) The Thyme, a gen. of the O. Lamiaceæ. Between forty and fifty species of it are described, all low much-branched spreading or decumbent shrubby herbs, frequently covered with hoary hairs; and having small entire leaves, often with their edges turned in, and dense terminal leafy heads or loose spikes of purple or rarely white flowers. The Garden Thyme, T. vulgar is, is a warm, pungent aromatic, much in use for culinary purposes. Its e ential oil is extremely acrid and pungent.-(Anat.) A glandular body divided into lobes, situated behind the sternum. It is largest in the fœtus, diminishes after birth, and in adults often entirely disappears. In calves it is called the sweetbread. [s. 895]