Definition

A type of tumor that contains various kinds of tissue, such as skin, hair, and muscle, usually formed from germ cells.

Example

The doctor explained that the teratoma could contain hair and teeth.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a teratoma?

Yeah, it's that strange tumor that can have hair and teeth, right?

Exactly! I read about a case where it had some fully formed hair.

That's so wild! I can't believe how weird our bodies can be sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Teratoma** → It is formed from "teras" (Greek, meaning monster) and "oma" (Greek, meaning tumor). The word "teratoma" refers to a tumor that contains tissue or organ components resembling a monster or abnormal growth.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tumor that resembles a 'monster' ('teras') — that's why teratoma refers to a tumor with unusual tissue.

Visually Confused Words