Acromegalia

/ækroʊməˈɡeɪliə/ noun

Definition

Abnormal enlargement of the hands, feet, face, and other extremities due to excessive growth hormone after skeletal maturity; same as acromegaly.

Etymology

From Greek 'akron' (extremity) + 'megas' (great/large). This older medical term names the condition by describing the visible symptom of enlarged extremities caused by hormonal imbalance.

Kelly Says

Acromegaly has shaped history—some historians believe famous giants like André the Giant had this condition, which is actually a treatable disorder affecting the pituitary gland!

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