gumma

American  

[guhm-uh] / ˈgʌm ə /

noun

Pathology.

plural

gummas, gummata

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

---

gumma British  

/ ˈɡʌmə /

noun

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

---

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

A superficial gumma appears as a small hard nodule under the mucous membrane, varying in size from a pin's head to a pea.

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

Diagnosis.—Before the stage of cold abscess is reached, the localised swelling is to be differentiated from a gumma, from chronic forms of staphylococcal osteomyelitis, from enlarged bursa or ganglion, from sub-periosteal lipoma, and from sarcoma.

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

A carbuncle is to be differentiated from an ulcerated gumma and from anthrax pustule.

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

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