Category:Tubercle

Tu"ber*cle, n. Etym: [l. tuberculum, dim. of tuber: cf. F. tubercule, Of. also tubercle. See tuber.]

1. A small knoblike prominence or excrescence, whether natural or Morbid; as, a tubercle on a plant; a tubercle on a bone; the Tubercles appearing on the body in leprosy.

2. (med.)

Defn: a small mass or aggregation of morbid matter; especially, the Deposit which accompanies scrofula or phthisis. This is composed of a Hard, grayish, or yellowish, translucent or opaque matter, which Gradually softens, and excites suppuration in its vicinity. It is Most frequently found in the lungs, causing consumption. Tubercle Bacillus (med.), a minute vegetable organism (bacillus tuberculosis) Discovered by koch, a german physician, in the sputum of consumptive Patients and in tuberculous tissue, and believed to be the exciting Cause of tubercles and tuberculosis.