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hyperthyroidism

American  
[hahy-per-thahy-roi-diz-uhm] / ˌhaɪ pərˈθaɪ rɔɪˌdɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.
  1. overactivity of the thyroid gland.

  2. a condition resulting from this, characterized by increased metabolism and exophthalmos.


hyperthyroidism British  
/ ˌhaɪpəˈθaɪrɔɪˌdɪzəm /

noun

  1. Also called: thyrotoxicosis.  overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing nervousness, insomnia, sweating, palpitation, and sensitivity to heat See exophthalmic goitre

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hyperthyroidism Scientific  
/ hī′pər-thīroi-dĭz′əm /
  1. An abnormality of the thyroid gland characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormone, which can result in an increased basal metabolic rate, causing weight loss, heart palpitations, and tremors.

  2. Compare hypothyroidism


Other Word Forms

  • hyperthyroid adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyperthyroidism

First recorded in 1895–1900; hyper- + thyroid + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though she was “a little freaked out” to hear the words “autoimmune disease” from her doctor, Luddington said they reassured her that Hashimoto’s hyperthyroidism is a “very common” disorder.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025

So can several medical conditions, including hyperthyroidism and multiple sclerosis.

From Scientific American • Sep. 21, 2023

Jones was also dealing with hyperthyroidism — he was waived at the time with a non-football illness designation — which can result in fatigue.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2022

She added that the two felines were only married for six months: Last December, Noelle died suddenly of complications from hyperthyroidism; she was thought to be around 7-years-old.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2022

Now to consider the effects of an excess of it, the condition called hyperthyroidism, as the insufficiency of it is labelled subthyroidism.

From The Glands Regulating Personality by Berman, Louis, M.D.