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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Erin Moriarty of ‘The Boys’ fame reveals her Graves’ disease diagnosis and the positive impact of treatment she is getting for the autoimmune disorder.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025

Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system produces antibodies that cause the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone, according to the NHS.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

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

General Condition.—The treatment of patients suffering from Graves' disease consists largely in having them take up some occupation that, while reasonably absorbing, does not make too great a demand upon them.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)