Addison's disease

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease characterized by asthenia, low blood pressure, and a brownish coloration of the skin, due to decreased secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex, resulting in hypoadrenalism.

---

Addison's disease British  

/ ˈædɪsənz /

noun

1. Also called: adrenal insufficiency.  a disease characterized by deep bronzing of the skin, anaemia, and extreme weakness, caused by underactivity of the adrenal glands

---

Etymology

Origin of Addison's disease

1855–60; named after T. Addison, who described it

Example Sentences

Ritchie has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects the joints; functional neurological disorder, which impacts her mobility; Addison's disease, a hormonal disorder, and epilepsy.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, was a fatal condition until hydrocortisone was invented in the 1930s.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2025

Among these conditions was Addison's disease, an adrenal gland disease that was often fatal in JFK's era.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2023

He nearly died twice before being diagnosed with Addison’s disease.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2022

It seemed suggestive, however, that DDD produced in dogs a condition very similar to that occurring in man in the presence of Addison’s disease.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson