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

Some people develop an enlarged thyroid in their neck, also called a goiter. —Angela Haupt, Time, 16 June 2025

Hyperthyroidism has also been linked to an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), irregular menstrual cycles, high blood pressure, brittle hair, and more prominent eyes, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

In the 1920s, between 70% to 100% of schoolchildren in parts of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin had goiters. —Harriet Marsden, theweek, 10 Nov. 2024

If both deficiencies occur together, goiter or hypothyroidism may occur.14 There is some evidence that low selenium levels may affect reproduction. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024

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

Rhymes for goiter

• goitre
• loiter
• exploiter
• reconnoiter
• reconnoitre

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