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

Esophageal syphilis is a rather rare affection, and may show itself as a mucous plaque, a gumma, an ulceration, or a cicatrix.

From Bronchoscopy and Esophagoscopy A Manual of Peroral Endoscopy and Laryngeal Surgery by Jackson, Chevalier

Intra-cranial Syphilis.—Syphilitic meningitis is usually secondary to cario-necrosis of the bones of the vault or to a localised gumma of the brain.

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

The contraction which follows the disappearance of a gumma of the sterno-mastoid may also produce a deformity resembling wry-neck.

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

The caseated tissue of a gumma differs from that of a tuberculous lesion in being tough and firm, of a buff colour like wash-leather, or whitish, like boiled fish.

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