acromegaly

[ ak-ruh-meg-uh-lee ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a chronic disease characterized by enlargement of the bones of the head, the soft parts of the feet and hands, and sometimes other structures, due to excessive secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.

acromegaly

/ ˌækrəʊmɪˈɡælɪk; ˌækrəʊˈmɛɡəlɪ /

noun

1. See gigantism
   a chronic disease characterized by enlargement of the bones of the head, hands, and feet, and swelling and enlargement of soft tissue, esp the tongue. It is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland Compare gigantism

Derived Forms

• acromegalic, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• ac·ro·me·gal·ic [ak-roh-m, uh, -, gal, -ik], adjective
• pseudo·acro·mega·ly noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acromegaly¹

1885–90; < French acromégalie < New Latin acromegalia. See acro-, -megaly

Word History and Origins

Origin of acromegaly¹

C19: from French acromégalie, from acro- + Greek megal-, stem of megas big

Example Sentences

At the other end, a tumor of the pituitary can over-produce growth hormone and cause acromegaly.

From The Daily Beast

It may also suffice merely to call attention to the connection between acromegaly and the hypophysis.

From Project Gutenberg

Acromegaly is characterised by abnormal growth, chiefly in the bones of the head, face, and extremities.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, as Marie has said, giantism is acromegaly occurring during the period of adolescence.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case also the resulting ductless gland is still of functional importance, for disease of it is associated with acromegaly.

From Project Gutenberg

One case of amenorrhea I saw in recent years proved to be due to a beginning acromegaly.

From Project Gutenberg