goiter

noun

goi·​ter ˈgȯi-tər 

: an enlargement of the thyroid gland visible as a swelling of the front of the neck compare hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism

goitrous

ˈgȯi-trəs  ˈgȯi-tə-rəs 

adjective

Examples of goiter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Iodine deficiency is also linked to the development of goiter (thyroid enlargement). —Mary Shomon, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2023

In addition, iodine deficiency is typically suspected based on the development of goiter, hypothyroidism, or congenital hypothyroidism (low thyroid function at birth). —Mary Shomon, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2023

Without it, people can develop a goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland. —Becky Krystal, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Apr. 2023

Added to My Water and Salt? Iodine deficiency used to be a major public health problem in the United States, causing thyroid problems (goiters) in adults and impairing brain development in babies and kids. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2023

This can lead to goiter, or enlarged thyroid, when the gland tries to compensate for the dysfunction by growing larger. —Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2021

To estimate which regions were naturally high-iodine and which were low, the researchers referred to nationwide statistics collected after World War I on the prevalence of goiter. —Lisa Raffensperger, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2013

Iodine-containing ancient remedies, like seaweed prescribed in ancient China, were quite effective for treating patients with enlarged thyroid glands, or goiter, though iodine itself wouldn’t be discovered until the 19th century. —Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2021

Originally, iodization was adopted to reduce the incidence of goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. —Lisa Raffensperger, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2013

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Word History

Etymology

French goitre, from Middle French, back-formation from goitron throat, from Vulgar Latin *guttrion-, guttrio, from Latin guttur

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

goiter

noun

goi·​ter ˈgȯit-ər 

: a swelling on the front of the neck caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland

Medical Definition

goiter

noun

goi·​ter

variants or chiefly British goitre

ˈgȯit-ər 

: an enlargement of the thyroid gland that is commonly visible as a swelling of the anterior part of the neck, that often results from insufficient intake of iodine and then is usually accompanied by hypothyroidism, and that in other cases is associated with hyperthyroidism usually together with toxic symptoms and exophthalmos

called also struma

goitrous

ˈgȯi-trəs 

adjective

also goiterous

ˈgȯit-ə-rəs