virilize
Definition
Verb: 1. To cause (a female or prepubescent male) to develop male secondary sexual characteristics: This refers to the biological process where an individual develops physical traits typical of adult males, such as facial hair, a deepened voice, and increased muscle mass. This is often due to an excess of androgens (male sex hormones), which can occur from an imbalance, medical condition, or as a result of hormone therapy.
Usage
The verb "virilize" is used in medical, biological, and endocrinological contexts. It describes an action that causes a change in physical characteristics. It is typically used in the passive voice ("became virilized") or as a transitive verb ("the condition virilized her").
Examples
- The tumor on her adrenal gland began to virilize her, leading to unexpected hair growth and voice changes.
- In some historical medical practices, high doses of androgens were used to virilize patients, a approach no longer common.
- The young boy's condition caused him to become virilized at a very early age.
- A key concern with certain steroid medications is their potential to virilize women who take them.
Advanced Usage
- Virilization (n): The or of becoming virilized. This is the more common noun form.
- The patient exhibited signs of virilization, including clitoromegaly and hirsutism.
- Virilizing (adj): Used to describe an agent or condition that causes virilization.
- She was diagnosed with a virilizing tumor of the ovary.
Variants and Related Words
- Virilism (n): An older, less specific term for a condition characterized by the development of male characteristics in a female.
- Masculinize (v): A close synonym, often used interchangeably in medical contexts, though it can have slightly broader social or behavioral connotations.
- Androgenize (v): A more precise technical term meaning to expose to or treat with androgens, which results in virilization.
Synonyms
- Masculinize
- Androgenize (technical)
Antonyms
- Feminize
- Demasculinize
Verb
-
produce virilism in or cause to assume masculine characteristics, as through a hormonal imbalance or hormone therapy
-
the drugs masculinized the teenage girl
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
