Definition

Noun: - The development of male secondary sexual characteristics in a female or prepubescent male: This refers to the abnormal or induced appearance of traits such as facial hair, a deepened voice, and increased muscle mass, typically due to excess androgen (male hormone) exposure.

Usage

This is a medical/biological term used to describe a specific physiological condition or effect. - It is most commonly used in clinical contexts concerning endocrinology, hormone therapy, or adrenal disorders. - The term describes a process or state resulting from hormonal imbalance or medical intervention.

Examples

• The patient experienced virilisation as a side effect of the anabolic steroid treatment.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause virilisation in female infants.
• The endocrinologist monitored the patient for signs of virilisation during the hormone therapy trial.

Advanced Usage

• "To undergo virilisation": This phrase describes the process happening to an individual.
  • The female athlete began to undergo virilisation after years of doping.
• "Signs/Symptoms of virilisation": Used to list the specific physical manifestations.
  • The doctor noted clitoromegaly and hirsutism as clear signs of virilisation.

Variants and Related Words

• Virilization (noun): The American English spelling of .
• Virilise (verb, chiefly British): To cause virilisation.
  • The malfunctioning adrenal gland can virilise a female patient.
• Virilize (verb, chiefly American): The American English spelling of .
• Virilizing (adjective): Describing an agent or effect that causes virilisation.
  • The tumor was found to be virilizing.

Synonyms

• Masculinization: Often used interchangeably, though it can have a broader, sometimes non-pathological meaning.
• Androgenization: A more specific term emphasizing the role of androgens.

Antonyms

• Feminization: The development of female secondary sexual characteristics in a male.

Noun

1. the abnormal development of male sexual characteristics in a female (usually as the result of hormone therapies or adrenal malfunction)