Addison's disease

Definition

A disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce a sufficient quantity of steroids, causing hypocortisolemia and a resultant brownish discoloration of the skin.

Etymology

Named from Thomas Addison (1793-1860), M. D., of London, who first described it.

Example Sentences

• "Nearly thirty years before the date of Addison's discovery, his eminent colleague, Dr. Bright, had observed and recorded, in his celebrated 'Reports of Medical Cases,' a case of Addison's disease."