Parathyroid

adj. pertaining to the parathyroid, pertaining to the small secretory glands located behind the thyroid gland (Anatomy)

n. one of the small secretory glands located behind the thyroid gland

The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck, usually located behind the thyroid gland, which produce parathyroid hormone. In rare cases the parathyroid glands are located within the thyroid glands. Most often there are four parathyroid glands, but some people have six or even eight.
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Parathyroid /par·a·thy·roid/ 1. situated beside the thyroid gland. 2. see under gland. par·a·thy·roid adj. 1. Adjacent to the thyroid gland. 2. [more]Parathyroid - Community and Resources

Noun
1. any one of four endocrine glands situated above or within the thyroid gland
(synonym) parathyroid gland
(hypernym) endocrine gland, endocrine, ductless gland

Gland that regulates calcium, located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid secretes a hormone called parathormone (or parathyrin) that is critical to calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Although the number of parathyroid glands can vary, most people have four, one above the other on each side. They are plastered against the back of the thyroid and therefore at risk for being accidentally removed during thyroidectomy.