gumma

noun

gum·​ma ˈgə-mə How to pronounce gumma (audio)
plural gummas also gummata ˈgə-mə-tə How to pronounce gumma (audio)
: a tumor of gummy or rubbery consistency that is characteristic of the tertiary stage of syphilis
gummatous
ˈgə-mə-təs How to pronounce gumma (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin gummat-, gumma, from Late Latin, gum, alteration of Latin gummi gum

First Known Use

circa 1722, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gumma was circa 1722

Browse Nearby Words

gumlike
gumma
gum mastic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gumma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gumma. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

gumma

noun
gum·​ma ˈgəm-ə How to pronounce gumma (audio)
plural gummas also gummata ˈgəm-ət-ə How to pronounce gumma (audio)
: a tumor of gummy or rubbery consistency that is characteristic of the tertiary stage of syphilis
gummatous
-ət-əs How to pronounce gumma (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gumma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gumma

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