Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive largeness of stature: A condition characterized by an abnormally large physical size, particularly in height.
   • Excessive size; gigantism: A medical condition, usually caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, resulting in abnormal growth and development.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient legend spoke of a race of people afflicted with giantism.
  • The doctor diagnosed the rare hormonal disorder as pituitary giantism.

Advanced Usage

• In a metaphorical or figurative sense: Can describe anything of extraordinarily large scale or disproportionate size, though this usage is less common than the literal medical meaning.
  • The architectural giantism of the new skyscraper dominated the city skyline.

Variants and Related Words

• Gigantism (noun): The more common medical and general synonym for "giantism."
  • Acromegaly and gigantism are both related to excess growth hormone.
• Giant (noun/adjective): A being of great size; of very great size or force.
  • The giant sequoia trees are a natural wonder.

Synonyms

• Gigantism: The state or quality of being a giant; excessive growth.
• Macrosomia: A general medical term for a condition of excessive body size and weight, often used in prenatal contexts.

Antonyms

• Dwarfism: A condition of being abnormally small in stature.
• Microsomia: A condition of abnormally small body size.

Noun

1. excessive largeness of stature
2. excessive size; usually caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland