hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·​per·​thy·​roid·​ism ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯi-ˌdi-zəm 

: excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

Examples of hyperthyroidism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Mayo Clinic, Graves’ disease is an immune system condition that causes hyperthyroidism. —Reuters 19 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025

Grave’s disease is an immune system condition that causes the production of too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism and speeding up the body's metabolism, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

DeMelo revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism last fall. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

Several conditions can occur with the thyroid, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, tumors, cancer, or postpartum thyroiditis. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hyperthyroidism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism

Kids Definition

hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·​per·​thy·​roid·​ism ˌhī-pər-ˈthī-ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm 

-rəd-

: abnormally high activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting abnormal state of health

hyperthyroid

-ˌrȯid

adjective

Medical Definition

hyperthyroidism

noun

hy·​per·​thy·​roid·​ism -ˌrȯid-ˌiz-əm, -rəd- 

: excessive functional activity of the thyroid gland

also : the resulting condition marked especially by increased metabolic rate, enlargement of the thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure

called also thyrotoxicosis

see graves' disease