struma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical (Medical/Archaic/Botanical)
Quick answer
What does “struma” mean?
A goitre.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A goitre; a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck.
In archaic or literary use: any mass or swelling. In a broader biological context, can refer to a cushion-like swelling at the base of a plant petiole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. 'Goitre' (UK) / 'goiter' (US) is the preferred common term in both varieties; 'struma' is equally rare and technical.
Connotations
Both: Technical, clinical, historical.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English. Possibly slightly more familiar in UK English due to historical medical texts and the Latin/Greek tradition.
Grammar
How to Use “struma” in a Sentence
patient suffers from (a) strumasurgeon removed the strumadiagnosis of strumaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “struma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The patient presented with strumous symptoms.
- A strumous condition of the gland was noted.
American English
- The biopsy revealed strumous tissue.
- He suffered from a strumous disorder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical medical texts, medical history papers, and specialized endocrinology/thyroidology literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used; 'goitre' or 'swelling in the neck' would be used instead.
Technical
Used in specific medical contexts (e.g., 'struma ovarii' - a rare ovarian tumour containing thyroid tissue) and botanical descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “struma”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “struma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “struma”
- Misspelling as 'stroma' (a different biological term for supporting tissue).
- Using it to refer to any throat infection or sore throat.
- Incorrect plural: 'strumas' is acceptable, but 'strumae' is the more traditional Latin plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its core medical meaning, 'struma' is a synonym for goitre (a thyroid gland enlargement). However, 'goitre' is the far more common and modern term.
No, it is an obscure, technical term. Most native English speakers would not know it without a medical or historical background.
It is a rare ovarian tumour that contains thyroid tissue, which can sometimes produce thyroid hormones. This is a specific modern medical use of the term.
Yes, in botany, a struma (or 'stoma' in some contexts) can refer to a cushion-like swelling at the base of a leafstalk (petiole).
A goitre.
Struma is usually technical (medical/archaic/botanical) in register.
Struma: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstruːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstruːmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRUMPet swelling up around someone's neck, forming a ST-RUMA.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATHOLOGY IS AN INVADER (the struma invades/occupies the neck).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'struma' most likely to be encountered today?