What is "macroglossia"

Macroglossia \Mac`ro*glos"si*a\, n. [NL. See Macro-, and Glossa.] (Med.) Enlargement or hypertrophy of the tongue.

n. enlargement or hypertrophy of the tongue.

n. a congenital disorder characterized by an abnormally large tongue; often seen in cases of Down's syndrome

Macroglossia is the medical term for an unusually large tongue. Severe enlargement of the tongue can cause cosmetic and functional difficulties in speaking, eating, swallowing and sleeping. Macroglossia is uncommon, and usually occurs in children. There are many causes. Treatment is dependent upon the exact cause.