myxedema

or myx·oe·de·ma

[ mik-si-dee-muh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a condition characterized by thickening of the skin, blunting of the senses and intellect, and labored speech, associated with hypothyroidism.

Other Words From

• myx·e·dem·a·tous [mik-si-, dem, -, uh, -t, uh, s, -, dee, -m, uh, -], adjective
• myx·e·dem·ic [mik-si-, dem, -ik], adjective
• postmyx·e·dema·tous adjective
• postmyx·e·demic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of myxedema¹

First recorded in 1875–80; myx- + edema

Example Sentences

Each condition can cause myxedema, the deposition of a mucuslike substance below the surface of the skin that makes the top layers, the epidermis, seem thicker.

From New York Times

Doctor, with your medical education a course in Osteopathy would teach you that it is not necessary to subject your patients to myxedema by removing the thyroid gland to cure goitre.

From Project Gutenberg

The sclerotic process in the arteries is due to the lack of thyroid as in cases of myxedema.

From Project Gutenberg

It was at a time when thyroid medication for myxedema having proved successful the medical journals were full of reports of other successful phases of organo-therapy.

From Project Gutenberg

Though she had no history of thyroid disease, she was given a diagnosis of myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition caused by extreme hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function.

From New York Times