noun
ganglion
A fluid-filled cyst near a joint or tendon.
A ganglion on her wrist makes bending her hand uncomfortable.
Etymology
The Greek word names a knot or swelling. The cyst sense preserves the swelling image for a rounded lump near a joint or tendon.
More examples
- The doctor identifies the painless lump as a ganglion.
- Some ganglia disappear on their own without treatment.
- The surgeon drains fluid from the ganglion near his ankle.
Forms
ganglion · ganglia · ganglions