myxedema

myx·ede·ma

noun \ˌmik-sə-ˈdē-mə\

Definition of MYXEDEMA

: severe hypothyroidism characterized by firm inelastic edema, dry skin and hair, and loss of mental and physical vigor

— myx·ede·ma·tous \-ˈde-mə-təs, -ˈdē-\ adjective

Origin of MYXEDEMA

New Latin, from Greek myxa lamp wick, nasal mucus + New Latin edema edema — more at mucus

First Known Use: 1877

myx·ede·ma

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MYXEDEMA

: severe hypothyroidism characterized by firm inelastic edema, dry skin and hair, and loss of mental and physical vigor

—myx·ede·ma·tous or chiefly British myx·oe·de·ma·tous \-ˈdem-ət-əs, -ˈdē-mət-\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation) adjective

Variants of MYXEDEMA

myx·ede·ma or chiefly British myx·oe·de·ma \ˌmik-sə-ˈdē-mə\ (audio pronunciation)

myxedema

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Physiological reaction to low levels of thyroid hormone in adults, either due to thyroid-gland removal, lack of function, or atrophy, or secondary to a pituitary-gland disorder. Gradual changes include enlarged tongue, thick, puffy skin, drowsiness, cardiac enlargement, and slow metabolism. Low thyroid hormone affects levels of other hormones, and may result in low blood sodium and disorders of the reproductive system (including reduced fertility), adrenal glands, and circulatory system. Treatment is with thyroid hormone.