goiter

noun goi·ter \ˈgȯi-tər\

medical : a swelling on the front of the neck caused by the thyroid gland becoming too large

Full Definition of GOITER

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

— goi·trous \ˈgȯi-trəs, ˈgȯi-tə-rəs\ adjective

See goiter defined for English-language learners

See goiter defined for kids

Origin of GOITER

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

First Known Use: 1625

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with GOITER

loiter

GOITER Defined for Kids

goiter

noun goi·ter \ˈgȯi-tər\

Definition of GOITER for Kids

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

Medical Dictionary

goiter

noun goi·ter

Medical Definition of GOITER

: 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