exophthalmos

n. abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, a condition commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. Exophthalmos combined with a goiter, a swelling in the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland (exophthalmic goiter), is a prominent feature of Graves’ disease. Exophthalmos may also be the result of a tumor or infection involving the eye. It is often characterized by the appearance of a fixed stare. —exophthalmic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

November 19th 2024

criminal responsibility

a defendant’s ability to formulate criminal intent (see mens rea) at the time of the crime with which he or she is charged; it must be proved in court before the person can be convicted. Criminal responsibility may be excluded for reason of insanity (see Durham rule; irresistible impulse rule; M’Naghten rule) or mitigated for a number of other reasons (see diminished capacity; diminished responsibility).