How to Pronounce Goiter
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Goiter Pronunciation
GOY-ter
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
GOY
stress here
ter
2 syllables
What is Goiter?
An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, visible as a swelling at the front of the neck. It can be caused by iodine deficiency, thyroid disease, or thyroid nodules, and a large goiter can cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, and a hoarse voice by compressing nearby structures.
Questions About Goiter
How do you pronounce the word 'goiter'?
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Goiter is pronounced GOY-ter, with the stress on the first syllable. Say it like you're saying "boy" but replace the "b" with a "g", then add "ter" at the end. The first syllable (GOY) should be louder and longer than the second one (ter).
How many syllables does 'goiter' have?
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Goiter has two syllables: GOI-ter. The first syllable rhymes with "boy" or "joy", and the second syllable sounds like "tur" in the word "butter".
What is the most common mispronunciation of 'goiter'?
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Many people mistakenly pronounce it as "GOY-ter" with equal stress on both syllables, or they stress the second syllable instead of the first (goy-TER). The correct way is to make the first syllable GOY much stronger and more prominent than the second syllable ter.
What does 'goiter' mean in plain English?
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A goiter is a visible swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located at the front of the neck. In everyday terms, you could describe it as a bump or bulge that appears on someone's neck.
Where does the word 'goiter' come from?
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The word goiter comes from the Latin word "guttur," which means "throat." This makes sense because a goiter appears as a swelling in the throat area at the front of the neck.
Are there other ways to spell 'goiter'?
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Yes—in British English, the word is often spelled "goitre" (with the "r" and "e" switched at the end). Both spellings are correct, but they are pronounced exactly the same way: GOY-ter.
What is the adjective form of 'goiter'?
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The adjective form is "goitrous" (pronounced GOY-trus), meaning "relating to or affected by a goiter." For example, you might hear the phrase "goitrous thyroid" used to describe a thyroid gland that has enlarged.
Can you use 'goiter' in a simple sentence?
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Sure! Here's an example: "The doctor pointed to the patient's goiter and explained that the thyroid gland had become enlarged." This sentence uses the word correctly to describe the medical condition being discussed.

