1.
enlargement; hypertrophy
Abnormal increase in the size of an organ or tissue, typically used in medical contexts.
心臓が肥大している。
The heart is enlarged.
前立腺の肥大は高齢の男性に多い。
Prostate enlargement is common in older men.
検査で左心室の肥大が見つかり、治療が必要になった。
An examination found left ventricular hypertrophy, and treatment became necessary.
2.
swelling; bloating; excessive growth
Figurative expansion beyond an appropriate or manageable size, used for organizations, budgets, or systems.
組織が肥大しすぎた。
The organization has grown too large.
予算が年々肥大して手に負えなくなっている。
The budget has been ballooning year after year and is getting out of hand.
官僚機構が肥大し、意思決定が遅くなっている。
The bureaucracy has become bloated and decision-making has slowed down.
Often used as a suru-verb: 肥大する (to enlarge, to become hypertrophied).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 心臓肥大 (cardiac hypertrophy)
- 前立腺肥大 (prostate enlargement)
- 組織が肥大する (an organization swells in size)
USAGE NOTE:
In medical contexts, 肥大 is a neutral clinical term. In figurative use, it typically carries a negative connotation, implying something has grown beyond a desirable or functional size.