hirsutism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Medical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “hirsutism” mean?
Excessive hair growth on the body or face in women in locations where hair is typically minimal or absent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessive hair growth on the body or face in women in locations where hair is typically minimal or absent.
A medical condition characterized by abnormal growth of thick, dark hair in a male-type pattern on women, often due to hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome, certain medications, or underlying endocrine disorders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. No significant lexical differences.
Connotations
Identical medical/clinical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low in both dialects, confined to medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hirsutism” in a Sentence
Hirsutism is associated with...The hirsutism was caused by...To treat the hirsutism, the doctor prescribed...She presented with hirsutism and...A diagnosis of hirsutism was made.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hirsutism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hirsutism symptoms were carefully monitored.
- She sought advice for a hirsutism condition.
American English
- The hirsutism presentation was quite pronounced.
- Hirsutism management often involves multiple approaches.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and health sciences papers discussing endocrinology, dermatology, or gynaecology.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of discussing a specific medical diagnosis.
Technical
Standard term in clinical medicine, endocrinology, dermatology, and gynaecology for describing the symptom.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hirsutism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hirsutism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hirsutism”
- Using 'hirsutism' to describe normal male beard growth or general body hair.
- Pronouncing it as /hɜːrˈsuː.tɪ.zəm/ (incorrect stress on the second syllable).
- Confusing it with 'hypertrichosis', which is excessive hair growth anywhere on the body, not specifically in a male pattern.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Hirsutism is a medical term for excessive, often coarse hair growth in women in areas typically associated with male hair patterns (e.g., face, chest, back), often linked to underlying health issues.
The term is rarely applied to men. In men, excessive hair growth is usually described as hypertrichosis or simply considered within the normal range of variation.
The most common cause is an excess of androgen hormones, frequently seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It can also be familial (genetic), drug-induced, or related to other endocrine disorders.
There is no single 'cure,' but it can be effectively managed. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause (e.g., hormone regulation) and cosmetic removal of hair through methods like laser therapy, electrolysis, or topical creams.
Excessive hair growth on the body or face in women in locations where hair is typically minimal or absent.
Hirsutism is usually formal, medical/technical in register.
Hirsutism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɜː.sjʊ.tɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɝː.sə.tɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Hear 'her suit ism'? Imagine a woman ('her') trying to fit into a suit ('suit') that is too hairy, representing the condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR AS AN INVADER (unwanted hair 'invading' areas where it does not belong).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hirsutism' MOST appropriately used?