granuloma

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granuloma (gran-yoo-loh-mă) n. (pl. granulomata or granulomas) a localized collection of cells, produced in response to chronic infection, inflammation, or a foreign body, that is characterized by the presence of epithelioid histiocytes. g. annulare a chronic skin condition, of unknown cause, in which there is a ring or rings of closely set papules, principally on the hands and arms. If generalized, it may be associated with diabetes mellitus. g. inguinale a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, marked by a pimply rash on and around the genital organs, which develops into a granulomatous ulcer. See also pyogenic (granuloma).
granulomatous adj.