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myxedema

or myx·oe·de·ma

[mik-si-dee-muh]
noun Pathology.
  1. a condition characterized by thickening of the skin, blunting of the senses and intellect, and labored speech, associated with hypothyroidism.
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Origin of myxedema

First recorded in 1875–80; myx- + edema
Related formsmyx·e·dem·a·tous [mik-si-dem-uh-tuh s, -dee-muh-] /ˌmɪk sɪˈdɛm ə təs, -ˈdi mə-/, adjectivemyx·e·dem·ic [mik-si-dem-ik] /ˌmɪk sɪˈdɛm ɪk/, adjectivepost·myx·e·dem·a·tous, adjectivepost·myx·e·dem·ic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for myxedema

Historical Examples

  • The sclerotic process in the arteries is due to the lack of thyroid as in cases of myxedema.

    Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:

    Louis Marshall Warfield

  • Such doses of thyroid may, of course, have a beneficial action in a limited number of cases of myxedema and cretinism.

  • If the thyroid gland was at fault we would have either the low mentality commonly spoken of as cretinism, or myxedema.

myxedema in Medicine

myxedema

(mĭk′sĭ-dē′mə)
n.
  1. A disease caused by decreased activity of the thyroid gland in adults and characterized by dry skin, swellings around the lips and nose, mental deterioration, and a subnormal basal metabolic rate.
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Related formsmyx′e•dem′a•tous (-dĕm′ə-təs, -dē′mə-) null adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.