gigantismo
Lemma Details
Translation: gigantism; abnormal growth; excessive size
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From 'gigante' (giant) + '-ismo' (suffix indicating a condition or state). The word derives from Latin 'gigas, gigantis', which comes from Greek 'gigas' (γίγας), meaning 'giant'. The English cognate 'gigantism' follows the same etymological path. The suffix '-ismo' corresponds to English '-ism', both indicating a condition or state of being.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 80%
Register: medical, technical
Example Usage
El gigantismo es una condición causada por un exceso de hormona del crecimiento.
Gigantism is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone.
El gigantismo urbano de la ciudad ha creado problemas de transporte.
The urban gigantism of the city has created transportation problems.
El gigantismo de algunas corporaciones modernas preocupa a los economistas.
The gigantism of some modern corporations concerns economists.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'gigante' (giant) + '-ismo' (condition) = 'condition of being a giant'
- Connect it to English 'gigantic' to remember it refers to excessive size
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Most commonly used in medical contexts to describe a condition caused by excessive growth hormone. In general language, it can be used metaphorically to describe anything that has grown to an excessive or disproportionate size, such as urban gigantism (gigantismo urbano) to describe overgrown cities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Gigantismo' is the medical condition or state of abnormal growth, while 'gigante' is the noun for a giant person or being.
Confused word:
En el cuento, el gigante vivía en un castillo en las nubes.
In the story, the giant lived in a castle in the clouds.
Notes: 'Gigantismo' is more technical and often used in medical contexts, while 'gigante' is more common in everyday language.
Mnemonic: 'Gigantismo' ends with '-ismo' indicating a condition, while 'gigante' is the being itself.