Chiloncus

/kaɪˈlɔŋkəs/ noun

Definition

A swelling or tumor of the lip; an abnormal enlargement or bulge of the lip tissue.

Etymology

Greek kheilos (lip) + ogkos (swelling or bulk); classical medical Greek terminology for describing a specific type of lip enlargement condition.

Kelly Says

In ancient times, doctors didn't have modern imaging so they named conditions by what they could see and feel—a swollen lip was 'chiloncus,' which meant doctors could recognize and discuss the same conditions across different regions.

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