gigantism

noun

gi·​gan·​tism jī-ˈgan-ˌti-zəm 

jə-;

ˈjī-gən- 

1

: giantism sense 1

2

: development to abnormally large size

3

: excessive vegetative growth often accompanied by the inhibiting of reproduction

Synonyms

• enormity
• enormousness
• giantism
• hugeness
• immenseness
• immensity
• magnitude
• massiveness
• prodigiousness
• vastitude
• vastness

Examples of gigantism in a Sentence

the gigantism that is this newest ocean liner is impossible to describe

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the researchers, gigantism appears several times in the evolutionary history of anurans, but this is one of the few species known to have both giant frogs and tadpoles. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

In evolution, gigantism is the result of species evolving large body sizes relative to their small-bodied ancestors. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024

The leading theory for this gigantism comes down to oxygen concentration. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

This week, the 45-year-old magazine/website/social platform/events operator alighted in Palm Desert, Calif., for its annual Inc. 5000 shindig, three days of celebrating the little guy in a time of corporate gigantism. —David Bloom, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

gigantism

noun

gi·​gan·​tism jī-ˈgan-ˌtiz-əm  jə-; ˈjī-gən- 

: development to abnormally large size from excessive growth of the long bones accompanied by muscular weakness and sexual impotence and usually caused by hyperpituitarism before normal ossification is complete

called also macrosomia

compare acromegaly