Graves' disease

American  

[greyvz] / greɪvz /

noun

Pathology.

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

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Graves' disease British  

/ ɡreɪvz /

noun

1. another name for exophthalmic goitre

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Graves' disease Scientific  

/ 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).

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Etymology

Origin of Graves' disease

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

Example Sentences

When she got pregnant in 2021, her heart was already weakened by Graves’ disease and she was still recovering from a rare neurological illness that had left her partially paralyzed.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Graves’ disease can include “feeling nervous or irritable,” slight tremors of the hands or fingers, weight loss, menstrual changes and heart palpitations.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

Williams also lives with Graves’ disease, a thyroid-related autoimmune condition.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system produces antibodies that cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone, according to the NHS.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

The larval forms of Graves' disease occur particularly in young persons, though they are sometimes seen in those beyond middle life.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)