Tum: meaning, definitions and examples

A common abbreviation for 'stomach' used in informal speech, often by or when speaking to children.

• My tum hurts after eating too much candy.
• Let's rub your tum to make it feel better.

Typically used in a medical or scientific context to describe abnormal cell development, whether benign or malignant.

• The doctor found a small growth on her liver.
• The lab results confirmed that the growth is benign.

Often used in medical settings to describe an abnormal accumulation of tissue or cells inside the body.

• The MRI scan revealed a mass in the patient's abdomen.
• The mass needs to be biopsied to determine if it's cancerous.

Describes a part of the body that becomes larger than normal due to fluid or inflammation, often due to injury or infection.

• After twisting his ankle, there was noticeable swelling.
• The bee sting caused a lot of swelling on her arm.

Can refer to a swelling or protuberance, usually under the skin, and often comes with a sense of worry or concern.

• I found a lump in my neck; I should get it checked.
• There's a suspicious lump on his arm.

Used colloquially or informally, mainly in British English to refer to one's stomach or belly, often in a lighthearted or affectionate manner.

• I've got a bit of a rumbling in my tum.

Generally used to denote a small quantity or a small part of something. Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Can I have a bit of that cake?
• He felt a bit tired after the long day.

Used to indicate a small and precise amount of a liquid or substance, often in cooking or mixing drinks. Informal and specific to certain contexts.

• Add a dash of salt to the mixture.
• Just a dash of soy sauce will do.

Typically used to refer to a very small quantity of a liquid, often in everyday or informal conversation.

• Could you put a drop of milk in my tea?
• There was not a drop of rain all week.

Commonly used to describe a small quantity of a granular substance, usually in cooking. Informal and casual contexts.

• Add a pinch of pepper to the soup.
• You only need a pinch of sugar.