exophthalmus
Definition
Noun: - Protrusion of the eyeball: "exophthalmus" refers to the abnormal forward displacement or bulging of one or both eyeballs, typically caused by an underlying medical condition such as Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism), orbital tumors, or inflammation.
Usage Examples
- (Abnormal bulging of the eyes related to hyperthyroidism.)
- (The condition may impair sight over time.)
Advanced Usage
- "Exophthalmus" is often used in clinical contexts to describe a symptom rather than a disease itself.
- The ophthalmologist noted bilateral exophthalmus during the examination. (Both eyes were protruding.)
Variants and Related Words
- Exophthalmia (n): a less common variant of "exophthalmus," referring to the same condition.
- Exophthalmia is frequently associated with endocrine disorders. (Protruding eyes linked to hormonal issues.)
- Exophthalmic (adj): describing something related to or characterized by exophthalmus.
- The exophthalmic appearance of the patient was striking. (The bulging eyes were noticeable.)
Synonyms
- Proptosis (n): a medical synonym for the forward displacement of the eyeball, often used interchangeably with exophthalmus.
- Proptosis can result from trauma or infection. (Eye protrusion from injury or disease.)
- Bulging eyes (n): a non-technical term for the same condition.
- Bulging eyes are a classic sign of thyroid eye disease. (Protruding eyes as a symptom.)
Related Idioms
- (None common; "exophthalmus" is a technical medical term and does not appear in idioms.)
Phrasal Verbs
- (None; "exophthalmus" is a noun and does not combine with verbs to form phrasal verbs.)