What it means
An ending that names a condition, such as hyperthyroidismhy-per-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.hyper- above, overthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry (an overactive thyroid), hypothyroidismhy-poh-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.hypo- below, underthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry , alcoholism and dwarfism. It can also name a belief or practice in everyday English.
Related terms
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
hypothyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.