tubercle

[ too-ber-kuhl, tyoo- ]

noun

1. a small rounded projection or excrescence, as on a bone or on the surface of the body.
2. Pathology.
   1. a small, firm, rounded nodule or swelling.
   2. such a swelling as the characteristic lesion of tuberculosis.
3. Botany. a tuberlike swelling or nodule.

tubercle

/ ˈtjuːbəkəl /

noun

1. any small rounded nodule or elevation, esp on the skin, on a bone, or on a plant
2. any small rounded pathological lesion of the tissues, esp one characteristic of tuberculosis

tubercle

/ to̅o̅′bər-kəl /

1. A small rounded projection, swelling, or lump, as on the roots of legumes or on bodily tissue, especially the cluster of inflammatory cells that form in the lungs in tuberculosis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tubercle¹

From the Latin word tūberculum, dating back to 1570–80. See tuber ¹, -cle ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tubercle¹

C16: from Latin tūberculum a little swelling, diminutive of tuber

Example Sentences

There are a number of bacilli, called acid-fast bacilli, which stain in the same way as the tubercle bacillus.

From Project Gutenberg

The sputum of more advanced cases resembles that of chronic bronchitis, with the addition of tubercle bacilli and elastic fibers.

From Project Gutenberg

These globular masses usually contain many tubercle bacilli.

From Project Gutenberg

Tubercle bacilli are nearly always present, although animal inoculation may be necessary to detect them.

From Project Gutenberg

Ordinarily, no attempt is made to identify any but the tubercle bacillus and the gonococcus.

From Project Gutenberg