gumboil

American  

[guhm-boil] / ˈgʌmˌbɔɪl /

noun

Pathology.

1. a small abscess on the gum, originating in an abscess in the pulp of a tooth.

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gumboil British  

/ ˈɡʌmˌbɔɪl /

noun

1. Also called: parulis.  an abscess on the gums, often at the root of a decayed tooth

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Etymology

Origin of gumboil

First recorded in 1745–55; gum ² + boil ²

Example Sentences

George, my dear old school-chum, with the V.C., and his wife tells me of it as casually as if it had been a gumboil!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 153, December 19, 1917 by Various

This gave Dr. Addison, usually the mildest-mannered man that ever lanced a gumboil, an opportunity of administering to big accuser a much-needed lesson in deportment.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, April 5, 1916 by Seaman, Owen, Sir

I've been young myself, and I know youth is touchy as a gumboil when it comes to love affairs.

From The Faith Healer A Play in Three Acts by Moody, William Vaughn

I only thought she had been led into it by old Betty Martin—Mr. Mustard's sister—who is so ugly that it gives you a gumboil only to look at her.

From Deep Moat Grange by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

"Listen to the doctor," Pearl commanded sternly, "or he'll raise a gumboil on ye."

From Sowing Seeds in Danny by McClung, Nellie L.