Graves' disease

[ greyvz ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a disease characterized by an enlarged thyroid, a rapid pulse, and increased basal metabolism due to excessive thyroid secretion; exophthalmic goiter.

Graves' disease

/ ɡreɪvz /

noun

1. See exophthalmic goitre
   another name for exophthalmic goitre

Graves' disease

/ grāvz /

1. An autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormone, goiter, protrusion of the eyeballs ( exophthalmos ), and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat and weight loss. The disease is named after its discoverer, Irish physician Robert James Graves (1796–1853).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Graves' disease¹

First recorded in 1865–70; named after R. J. Graves (1796–1853), Irish physician

Word History and Origins

Origin of Graves' disease¹

C19: named after R. J. Graves (1796–1853), Irish physician

Example Sentences

In the chapter on Graves Disease, the use of the touch of a snake, or of a snake's skin worn around the neck, is mentioned.

From Project Gutenberg