ranula

[ ran-yuh-luh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a cystic tumor formed beneath the tongue, caused by obstruction of the sublingual or submaxillary gland or of a mucous gland.

ranula

/ ˈrænjʊlə /

noun

1. a saliva-filled cyst that develops under the tongue

Other Words From

• ranu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ranula¹

1650–60; < Latin rānula little frog, swelling, equivalent to rān ( a ) frog + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of ranula¹

C17: from Latin rana frog + -ula from Latin -ulus , small

Example Sentences

The sublingual ranula is the most common variety.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the affections of the tongue he numbers abscess, fissure, ulcer, cancer, ranula, shortening of the ligaments, hypertrophy, erythema of the mucous membrane, and inflammatory swelling.

From Project Gutenberg

In rare cases children are born with a cystic swelling in the floor of the mouth—the so-called congenital ranula.

From Project Gutenberg

Tumours—Ranula.—The term ranula is applied to any cystic tumour formed in connection with the glands in the floor of the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg