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

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

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

It must not be confused with the fixation of the jaw sometimes associated with a wisdom-tooth gumboil, with tonsillitis, or with affections of the temporo-mandibular articulation.

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

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

From Sowing Seeds in Danny by McClung, Nellie L.

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