exophthalmos

noun

ex·​oph·​thal·​mos ˌek-säf-ˈthal-məs How to pronounce exophthalmos (audio)
-səf-,
-säp-
variants or less commonly exophthalmus
: abnormal protrusion of the eyeball
exophthalmic
ˌek-säf-ˈthal-mik How to pronounce exophthalmos (audio)
-səf-
-säp-
adjective

Examples of exophthalmos in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bulging or protruding eyes (proptosis or exophthalmos) can be a sign of Graves disease, a disorder causing overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Claire Gillespie, SELF, 19 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek exophthalmos having prominent eyes, from ex out + ophthalmos eye; akin to Greek ōps eye — more at eye

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exophthalmos was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near exophthalmos

Cite this Entry

“Exophthalmos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exophthalmos. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

exophthalmos

noun
ex·​oph·​thal·​mos
variants also exophthalmus
: abnormal protrusion of the eyeball
exophthalmic adjective

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