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DictionarygallPlant swelling
noun

gall

An abnormal swelling on a plant caused by insects or disease.

A rounded gall grows on the oak twig.

Etymology
gallLatinoak gall

The Latin word names a plant gall, especially one on an oak. English broadened the botanical term to comparable abnormal growths on other plants.

More examples

  • Several galls covered the leaves.
  • The botanist examined the gall.
  • An insect emerged from the gall.

Forms

gall · galls

Similar words

growth
Any outgrowth rather than this particular plant reaction.
swelling
A broader enlargement without its biological cause.