gumma

American  

[guhm-uh] / ˈgʌm ə /

noun

Pathology.

plural

gummas, gummata

1. a rubbery, tumorlike lesion associated with tertiary syphilis.

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gumma British  

/ ˈɡʌmə /

noun

1. pathol a rubbery tumour characteristic of advanced syphilis, occurring esp on the skin, liver, brain or heart

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Other Word Forms

• gummatous adjective

Etymology

Origin of gumma

From New Latin, dating back to 1715–25; see origin at gum ¹

Example Sentences

The gumma may remain for months unchanged, or may approach the surface, soften, and break down, leaving a deep, ragged ulcer.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

If a periosteal gumma breaks down and invades the skin, a syphilitic ulcer is formed with carious bone at the bottom.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Tertiary Lesions of the Skin and Subcutaneous Cellular Tissue.—The clinical features of a subcutaneous gumma are those of an indolent, painless, elastic swelling, varying in size from a pea to an almond or walnut.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Local Treatment.—The absorption of a subcutaneous gumma is often hastened by the application of a fly-blister.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

When a gumma has broken on the surface and caused an ulcer, this is treated on general principles, with a preference, however, for applications containing mercury or iodine, or both.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis