myxedema

/,miksi'di:mə/

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Word: Myxedema

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Myxedema is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as dry skin, swelling around the lips and nose, and sometimes problems with thinking and memory.

Usage Instructions

• When to Use: You would use the word "myxedema" in a medical context, especially when discussing thyroid conditions or health issues related to the thyroid gland.

Example Sentence

• "The doctor diagnosed her with myxedema after noticing the swelling on her face and her dry skin."

Advanced Usage

In advanced discussions, you might encounter phrases like "myxedema coma," which refers to a more severe form of myxedema that can occur in cases of extreme hypothyroidism.

Word Variants

• Adjective: Myxedematous (describing something related to or characteristic of myxedema)
  • Example: "The patient exhibited myxedematous features, including facial swelling."

Different Meanings

• In general conversation, "myxedema" is a specific medical term. It does not have multiple meanings in everyday English.

Synonyms

• Hypothyroidism: This is a broader term that refers to the underactivity of the thyroid gland, which can lead to myxedema.
• Thyroid deficiency: Another way to describe the lack of thyroid hormones.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "myxedema" since it is a technical medical term. However, you might hear phrases like "to feel under the weather" in a general sense when someone feels unwell, which can be related to thyroid issues.

Summary

Myxedema is a serious health condition due to a lack of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like dry skin and facial swelling.

Academic

Noun

1. hypothyroidism marked by dry skin and swellings around lips and nose as well as mental deterioration

Synonyms

• myxoedema