What does glioma mean?
A glioma is a tumor that arises from glial cells, the supporting cells of the brain and spinal cord. Although the term can be used as a general label, clinicians usually specify the tumor's subtype, grade, and location. Some gliomas grow slowly and may be monitored or removed surgically, while others are aggressive malignant tumors requiring radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of treatments. The word belongs mainly to medicine and oncology, but it is also common in research and public health discussions. Its name combines Greek glia, meaning “glue,” with a suffix meaning tumor or swelling. Glioma is therefore both a precise clinical category and a useful reminder that medical terms often preserve the history of the ideas from which they developed.
nounA tumor arising from glial cells, the supporting cells of the brain and spinal cord. The term covers several tumor types and grades, including malignant forms such as glioblastoma.
- A tumor of glial cells arising in the brain or spinal cord.
"The scan revealed a small glioma near the left temporal lobe."
"The scan revealed a small glioma near the left temporal lobe."
"Researchers are testing a new treatment for aggressive glioma."
Gliomas is the standard plural form in contemporary medical English.
"Two gliomas were identified in the imaging study."
The name literally points to “glue”: glioma combines Greek glia, meaning “glue,” with a suffix meaning tumor or swelling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glioma come from?
The medical term was formed from Greek glia, meaning “glue,” together with the tumor-forming suffix -oma, meaning a swelling or tumor. It became established in medical English during the 19th century. Related English terms include glia, glial, gliosis, and glioblastoma.
Related word forms
How glioma is actually used
A specialized and generally formal medical term. In clinical contexts, the designation is usually accompanied by the tumor's subtype, grade, and location because these distinctions strongly affect prognosis and treatment.
Easily confused with glioma
Glioma is a broad category of tumor arising from glial cells, whereas glioblastoma is a specific, highly malignant subtype of glioma.
A glioma is a neoplastic tumor, while gliosis is a non-neoplastic increase in the number of glial cells, often occurring in response to injury or inflammation.