Adjacent Words

myxedema definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: hypothyroidism marked by dry skin and swellings around lips and nose as well as mental deterioration [syn: myxedema, myxoedema]

Merriam Webster's

noun Etymology: New Latin, from Greek myxa lamp wick, nasal mucus + New Latin edema edema — more at mucus Date: 1877 severe hypothyroidism characterized by firm inelastic edema, dry skin and hair, and loss of mental and physical vigor • myxedematous adjective

Britannica Concise

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 (incl. reduced fertility), adrenal glands, and circulatory system. Treatment is with thyroid hormone.