proptosis

noun

prop·to·sis präp-ˈtō-səs

prō-ˈtō-

: forward projection or displacement especially of the eyeball

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Bulging or protruding eyes (proptosis or exophthalmos) can be a sign of Graves disease, a disorder causing overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). —

Claire Gillespie, SELF, 19 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proptosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin, falling forward, from Greek proptōsis, from propiptein to fall forward, from pro- forward + piptein to fall — more at pro-, feather

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of proptosis was in 1676

See more words from the same year