noun
vegetation
An abnormal growth on body tissue, especially a heart valve.
The ultrasound shows a small vegetation on the patient's heart valve.
Etymology
The growth-word broadened beyond plants. Medicine applies it to an abnormal growth resembling material growing from a tissue surface.
More examples
- Several vegetations are attached to the damaged valve.
- The surgeon removes the vegetation during the operation.
- The doctor checks whether the vegetation is linked to an infection.
Forms
vegetation · vegetations