acromegaly

American  

[ak-ruh-meg-uh-lee] / ˌæk rəˈmɛg ə li /

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.

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acromegaly British  

/ ˌækrəʊˈmɛɡəlɪ, ˌækrəʊmɪˈɡælɪk /

noun

1. 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

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Other Word Forms

• acromegalic
  adjective
• pseudoacromegaly
  noun

Etymology

Origin of acromegaly

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

Compare meaning

How does acromegaly compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• acromegaly vs. gigantism

Example Sentences

Acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces excessive growth hormone causing the body tissues and bones to grow faster.

From Fox News • Sep. 1, 2021

A leaflet on the foundation's website says: "Acromegaly affects a number of body systems and is associated with a two-fold increase in mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease."

From The Guardian • Mar. 18, 2010

Acromegaly is distinguished from osteitis deformans in that it is limited to hypertrophy of the hands, feet, and face, and it usually begins earlier.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)

Acromegaly is a term introduced by Marie, and signifies large extremities.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)