noun
goiter
GOY-ter/ˈɡɔɪt̮ər/
An enlargement of the thyroid gland that can cause swelling in the neck.
The goiter causes a broad swelling at the lower front of the woman's neck.
Etymology
Goitron meant “throat” or “gullet.” A general name for that region became the term for a particular swelling there: enlargement of the thyroid gland.
In context
10 cent bags of refined sea salt this raises a profound debate was the death of the salt routes an inevitable blessing for public health eliminating widespread iodine deficiency and goiter
More examples
- An iodine deficiency can cause a goiter.
- Some goiters develop even when thyroid hormone levels are normal.
- Her goiter makes it hard to swallow.
Forms
goiter · goiters
Similar words
- swelling
- Broader term for enlargement anywhere, not specifically the thyroid.