Pathologic Function
abnormal virilization
Subclass of:
Signs and Symptoms
Etymology:
Latin virilis = relating to a male, from vir = man + -ism = condition
Also called:
Adrenogenital Syndrome
Definitions related to abnormal virilization:
  • (virilism) Abnormal possession of mature masculine somatic characteristics by a girl, woman, or prepubescent; may be present at birth or may appear first later in life, depending on its cause; it may be relatively mild (hirsutism) or severe; commonly the result of gonadal or adrenocortical dysfunction, or may be produced by androgenic therapy.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • (virilism) Development of male secondary SEX CHARACTERISTICS in the FEMALE. It is due to the effects of androgenic metabolites of precursors from endogenous or exogenous sources, such as ADRENAL GLANDS or therapeutic drugs.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • (virilization) The development of normal male puberty due to testosterone effect or the abnormal development of male secondary sexual characteristics in children and females due to excessive androgens.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The abnormal development of male secondary sexual characteristics due to excessive androgens.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (virilization) A disorder characterized by inappropriate masculinization occurring in a female or prepubertal male.
    Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
    U.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
  • Virilization is the development of exaggerated masculine characteristics, usually in women, often as a result of the adrenal glands overproducing androgens (male sex steroid hormones such as testosterone).
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.