What does condyloma mean?
A condyloma is a wart-like growth arising on the skin or mucous membrane, most familiarly in the genital or anal region, where it is usually caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). In medicine, the specific type found around the genitals is known as condyloma acuminatum, commonly called a genital wart. The word belongs to clinical vocabulary — it appears in textbooks, diagnostic reports, and public-health discussions rather than casual conversation — and carries a neutral, descriptive connotation for professionals, though it can feel alarming to patients. Its plural is either condylomas or, in more traditional usage, condylomata. Understanding the term matters because it connects directly to preventive health: HPV vaccination and screening have sharply reduced these lesions, making 'condyloma' a useful word for anyone reading about sexual health or dermatology.
nounA wart-like growth on the skin or mucous membrane, especially in the genital or anal region, typically caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- A wart-like lesion of the genital or anal area caused by HPV (condyloma acuminatum).
- A broader medical sense: any raised, knob-like tumor or growth on the skin or mucous membranes.
"The dermatologist identified a condyloma during the routine examination and discussed treatment options."
"Clinicians now offer vaccination against HPV to prevent condylomas as well as more serious HPV-associated disease."
"Histological examination confirmed the lesion was a benign condyloma rather than a malignant growth."
'Condylomas' is the standard modern plural; the Latinate 'condylomata' survives mainly in specialist or older medical writing.
"Multiple condylomas may require combined surgical and topical therapy."
The same Greek root gives us both 'condyloma', an HPV-related wart, and 'condyle', the knuckle of your thigh bone — because to ancient anatomists, they all just looked like knobs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of condyloma
Condyloma derives from the Greek 'kondylōma', meaning a rounded swelling or knob-like tumor, itself formed from 'kondylos', meaning knuckle or rounded prominence. The term passed into New Latin and entered English medical usage in the late seventeenth century. It shares its root with 'condyle', the anatomical name for a rounded end of a bone, reflecting the original sense of anything knob-shaped.
Related word forms
How condyloma is actually used
A clinical and formal term used in medicine and pathology rather than everyday speech. The plural 'condylomata' reflects its Latinized Greek origin and appears chiefly in older or specialist texts; 'condylomas' is standard in modern usage.
Easily confused with condyloma
A condyle is the smooth, rounded prominence at the end of a bone that forms part of a joint, whereas a condyloma is a wart-like growth on skin or mucous membrane.