Ancome

/ˈæŋkəm/ noun

Definition

An archaic English term for a painful inflammation or swelling, particularly on the skin; an abscess or tumor-like growth.

Etymology

From Old English or Middle English, possibly combining 'an-' (on) + 'come' (growth/swelling), or from Germanic roots related to swelling and inflammation.

Kelly Says

Medieval doctors had wonderfully descriptive names for things—'ancome' basically means 'something that came on you painfully,' which is exactly what a sudden boil or abscess feels like!

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