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Tubercle: meaning, definitions and examples

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tubercle

 

[ ˈtjuːbərkəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy structure

A tubercle is a small, rounded projection or protuberance on a bone or surface, often serving as a point of attachment for muscles or tendons. In anatomy, tubercles can be found in various regions of the body, such as on the humerus or the ribs. They can also refer to small lumps that can develop in different tissue types due to various medical conditions. The term is commonly used in medical and biological contexts to describe these physical features.

Synonyms

bump, nodule, projection

Examples of usage

  • The greater tubercle of the humerus provides attachments for several shoulder muscles.
  • Inflammation of the tubercle may lead to discomfort during movement.
  • X-rays revealed a prominent tubercle on the rib cage.

Translations

Translations of the word "tubercle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tubérculo

🇮🇳 ट्यूबरकल

🇩🇪 Tuberkel

🇮🇩 tuberkel

🇺🇦 горбик

🇵🇱 guzek

🇯🇵 小突起

🇫🇷 tubercule

🇪🇸 tubérculo

🇹🇷 tüberkül

🇰🇷 결절

🇸🇦 نتوء

🇨🇿 hrbolek

🇸🇰 hrboľ

🇨🇳 小突起

🇸🇮 guzek

🇮🇸 hnúta

🇰🇿 түбіршек

🇬🇪 ბუშტი

🇦🇿 tuberkul

🇲🇽 tubérculo

Etymology

The word 'tubercle' originates from the Latin word 'tuberculum', which is a diminutive form of 'tuber' meaning 'lump' or 'swelling'. The suffix '-cle' suggests a small size, thus 'tubercle' literally means 'small lump'. The term has been used in medical terminology since the early 19th century, referring specifically to small, rounded bony protrusions. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass various small lumps or nodules found in biological tissues, contributing to a broader understanding of anatomy and pathology. In medicine, 'tubercle' has also been associated with certain infections, such as tuberculosis, where tubercles can form in tissues as a response to infection.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,649, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.