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Definition of "gigantism" [gigantism]

  • The quality or state of being gigantic; abnormally large size. (noun)
  • Excessive growth of the body or any of its parts, especially as a result of oversecretion of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Also called giantism. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "gigantism" in a sentence
  • "That would encourage financial gigantism, which is not good."
  • "Evolutionary features typical of island faunas and floras, such as gigantism, dwarfism, and unusual ecological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations are also found in a range of species."
  • "Typical island adaptations, such as gigantism and dwarfism, occur in genera that are found elsewhere in Africa."