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Glite Dictionary
German goiter

German goiter

8.2
A swelling at the front of the neck caused by not enough iodine
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɜrmən ˈɡɔɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bocio alemán
  • The patient was diagnosed with German goiter after presenting symptoms of neck swelling and discomfort.

Examples

  • Some regions historically had higher rates of German goiter due to a lack of dietary iodine.

  • Physicians recommend iodine supplements to prevent German goiter in susceptible populations.

  • The patient was diagnosed with German goiter.

  • Many people in the region suffer from German goiters.

  • Physicians recommend iodine supplements to prevent German goiter in susceptible populations.

  • Some regions historically had higher rates of German goiter due to a lack of dietary iodine.

  • The patient was diagnosed with German goiter after presenting symptoms of neck swelling and discomfort.

Synonyms

goiter
vsGerman goiter
  • Specialized
9 6.7

A swelling in the neck when a gland that makes hormones grows too large

is a specific subtype tied to regional iodine deficiency rather than general causes
thyromegaly
vsGerman goiter
  • Specialized
9.9

An enlarged thyroid gland that causes a swelling in the neck

is a specific subtype associated with regional endemic iodine deficiency

Surface Forms

German goiter singular
German goiters plural

Morphology

German + goiter

The phrase is a straightforward composition of 'German' (of or relating to Germany) modifying 'goiter' (thyroid enlargement). A B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer it refers to a type or instance of goiter associated with Germany or described as 'German', following a common noun-modifier pattern found across languages.

Etymology

German goiter may come from old doctors' reports that linked large neck swellings to parts of Germany. Since goiter means a swollen neck, the phrase came to mean 'a type of thyroid enlargement'.