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.

---

Graves' disease British  

/ ɡreɪvz /

noun

1. another name for exophthalmic goitre

---

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).

---

Etymology

Origin of Graves' disease

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Graves' disease

Moriarty has faced a torrent of online harassment herself about her physical appearance, which recently led her to reveal that she has been suffering from Graves’ disease.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026

Crucially for investors, Immunovant believes its cash position provides sufficient runway to fund the launch of IMVT-1402 for Graves’ disease.

From Barron's ● May 20, 2026

Immunovant reported a $147.9 million quarterly loss, but its cash position supports IMVT-1402 launch in Graves’ disease.

From Barron's ● May 20, 2026

Smith had been candid about her health issues in the past, suffering from glaucoma, Graves’ disease and breast cancer, and she underwent hip-replacement surgery in her 80s.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2024

I have never known a case of Graves' disease to be caused by success or happiness alone, or by hard physical labor unattended by psychic strain, or to be the result of energy voluntarily discharged.

From Origin and Nature of Emotions by George W. (Washington) Crile