hyperthyroidism

American  

[hahy-per-thahy-roi-diz-uhm] / ˌhaɪ pərˈθaɪ rɔɪˌdɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.

1. overactivity of the thyroid gland.

2. a condition resulting from this, characterized by increased metabolism and exophthalmos.

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hyperthyroidism British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈθaɪrɔɪˌdɪzəm /

noun

1. Also called: thyrotoxicosis.  overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing nervousness, insomnia, sweating, palpitation, and sensitivity to heat See exophthalmic goitre

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hyperthyroidism Scientific  

/ hī′pər-thī′roi-dĭz′əm /

1. An abnormality of the thyroid gland characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormone, which can result in an increased basal metabolic rate, causing weight loss, heart palpitations, and tremors.

2. Compare hypothyroidism

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Other Word Forms

• hyperthyroid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyperthyroidism

First recorded in 1895–1900; hyper- + thyroid + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hyperthyroidism

How did having hyperthyroidism compare with the many physical injuries you’ve dealt with in your life?

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 2026

This was a middle-aged woman who had a racing heart, who became short of breath with any exertion, who was rapidly losing weight — a classic presentation of thyroid-hormone overload, a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

From New York Times ● Jun. 7, 2023

And she has since developed fibromyalgia and Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism.

From Scientific American ● Sep. 22, 2022

Jones was also dealing with hyperthyroidism — he was waived at the time with a non-football illness designation — which can result in fatigue.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 14, 2022

The rapid heart in hyperthyroidism is also well understood.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas) Osborne