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

Worse, she had begun to suffer symptoms of what was ultimately diagnosed as Graves’ disease, a serious autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

She was deep into the writing of “Kin” when her Graves’ disease flared in earnest.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

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

Actress Daisy Ridley has spoken for the first time about being diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that mainly affects young and middle-aged women.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

How could disappointment in love play a role in the causation of Graves' disease?

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