hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·​per·​thy·​roid·​ism ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯi-ˌdi-zəm 

: excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

Examples of hyperthyroidism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Graves' Disease Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), can be associated with polyphagia. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Individuals who are prescribed too much medication for hypothyroidism may end up with too much replacement thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism—and this may explain why levothyroxine was associated with bone loss in the recent study. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

Thyroid dysfunction, either underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), may lead to heart block. —Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

Treating hyperthyroidism involves medicine, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·​per·​thy·​roid·​ism ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm 

-rəd-

: abnormally high activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting abnormal state of health

hyperthyroid

-ˌrȯid

adjective

Medical Definition

hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·​per·​thy·​roid·​ism -ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm, -rəd- 

: excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

called also thyrotoxicosis

see graves' disease