hyperfunction

noun

hy·​per·​func·​tion ˈhī-pər-ˌfəŋ(k)-shən 

: excessive activity or function (as of a bodily part)

pituitary hyperfunction

hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex

hyperfunctional

ˌhī-pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

hyperfunctional salivary glands

hyperfunctioning

ˌhī-pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ 

noun

… dopaminergic hyperfunctioning has been suggested as a cause of schizophrenia.

—Richard J. Beninger et al.

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hyperfunction

noun

hy·​per·​func·​tion -ˌfəŋ(k)-shən 

: excessive activity or function

pituitary hyperfunction

hyperfunctional

-ˌfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

hyperfunctional adrenal glands

hyperfunctioning

-sh(ə-)niŋ 

noun

… dopaminergic hyperfunctioning has been suggested as a cause of schizophrenia.

—Richard J. Beninger et al., Science