rhizoverbBeta
DictionarywenSkin cyst
noun

wen

WEN/wɛn/

A noncancerous cyst beneath the skin.

The dermatologist examines a small wen beneath the patient's forearm skin.

A dermatologist gently examines a small raised lump on a patient's forearm while the patient sits calmly, showing a harmless cyst-like swelling on the skin.
Etymology
wenOld Englishtumor, wart

Old English wenn already covered tumors and warts. The selected sense keeps that bodily-lump meaning while narrowing it to a benign swelling or cyst.

In context

Dr. David Myers0:11
pilar cysts are also called wens.
Wen Removal AKA Pilar Cyst Removal | Dr. Derm
SKULD presenter8:18
[wen] being an old word for a cyst
Anglo-Saxon Folk Magic: Healing Spells

More examples

  • The surgeon removed the harmless wen.
  • A slow-growing wen formed near his hairline.
  • The old medical text described several wens.

Forms

wen · wens

Similar words

cyst
The broader medical category, not necessarily this benign skin swelling.
lump
Lump is broader and does not identify a particular kind of skin growth.