hypothyroidism

[ hahy-puh-thahy-roi-diz-uhm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. deficient activity of the thyroid gland.
2. the condition produced by a deficiency of thyroid secretion, resulting in goiter, myxedema, and, when untreated in children, intellectual disability.

hypothyroidism

/ ˌhaɪpəʊˈθaɪrɔɪˌdɪzəm /

noun

1. insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland
2. any disorder, such as cretinism or myxoedema, resulting from this

hypothyroidism

/ hī′pō-thī′roi-dĭz′əm /

1. An abnormality of the thyroid gland characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormone, which can result in a decreased basal metabolic rate, causing weight gain and fatigue.
2. Compare hyperthyroidism

Derived Forms

• ˌhypoˈthyroid, nounadjective

Other Words From

• hy·po·thy·roid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothyroidism¹

First recorded in 1900–05; hypo- + thyroid + -ism

Example Sentences

Around 5% of people have an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, which can lead to fatigue, aches and pains, weight gain, and depression.

From MIT Technology Review

For example, if your body isn’t absorbing enough iodine, you could develop hypothyroidism.

From Time

Then, in the early 1980s, the world began to take an interest in eliminating iodine deficiency, which causes problems ranging from hypothyroidism to learning difficulties.

From MIT Technology Review

Endocrinologist Dr. Jeffrey Garber told NPR that the kale-hypothyroidism connection has been “overplayed.”

From The Daily Beast

An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, is caused by an inadequate production of thyroid hormone.

From Project Gutenberg