tubercle

noun

tu·​ber·​cle ˈtü-bər-kəl How to pronounce tubercle (audio)
ˈtyü-
Synonyms of tuberclenext
1
: a small knobby prominence or excrescence especially on a plant or animal : nodule: such as
a
: a protuberance near the head of a rib that articulates with the transverse process of a vertebra
b
: any of several prominences in the central nervous system
c
: nodule sense b
2
: a small abnormal discrete lump in the substance of an organ or in the skin
especially : the specific lesion of tuberculosis

Examples of tubercle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inspired by the tubercles on the humpback whale's flippers, BlueNav's Whale Design propeller uses a series of bumps along the edge meant to channel water in such a way that increases thrust and improves efficiency. — New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2025 However, popping Montgomery tubercles may cause infections. — Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 26 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin tuberculum, diminutive of tuber

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tubercle was in 1556

Phrases Containing tubercle

Rhymes for tubercle

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Tubercle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tubercle. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

tubercle

noun
tu·​ber·​cle ˈt(y)ü-bər-kəl How to pronounce tubercle (audio)
1
: a small knobby lump or outgrowth especially on a plant or animal
2
: a small diseased growth in an organ or on the skin
especially : one caused by tuberculosis

Medical Definition

tubercle

noun
tu·​ber·​cle ˈt(y)ü-bər-kəl How to pronounce tubercle (audio)
1
: a small knobby prominence or excrescence: as
a
: a prominence on the crown of a molar tooth
b
: a small rough prominence (as the greater tubercle or adductor tubercle) on a bone usually being smaller than a tuberosity and serving for the attachment of one or more muscles or ligaments
c
: an eminence near the head of a rib that articulates with the transverse process of a vertebra
d
: any of several prominences (as the acoustic tubercle) in the central nervous system that mark the nuclei of various nerves
2
: a small discrete lump in the substance of an organ or in the skin
especially : the specific lesion of tuberculosis consisting of a packed mass of epithelioid cells, giant cells, disintegration products of white blood cells and bacilli, and usually a necrotic center

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