bubo

n., pl., -boes.
An inflamed, tender swelling of a lymph node, especially in the area of the armpit or groin, that is characteristic of certain infections, such as bubonic plague and syphilis.

[Middle English, from Late Latin būbō, būbōn-, from Greek boubōn, groin, swelling.]

When a Los Angeles woman was diagnosed with bubonic plague (the disease is extremely rare and even more so in urban areas), attention was drawn to the amusingly named but nevertheless repugnant bubo:

"Bubonic plague affects the lymph nodes... Within three to seven days of exposure to the bacteria, flu-like symptoms will develop such as fever, headache, chills, weakness, and swollen, tender lymph glands (called buboes-hence the name bubonic)."

Link: Los Angeles Woman Diagnosed with Bubonic Plague

Posted April 24, 2006.

See our Word Overheard blog to see interesting uses of strange words.

(byōō′bō)
n

A lymph node that is enlarged as a result of an infection. The process may lead to suppuration; seen in primary syphilis, chancroid, plague, malaria, and other infectious processes.

An enlarged and inflamed lymph node, particularly in the axilla or groin, resulting from absorption of infective material and occurring in various diseases, e.g. tuberculosis.

• indolent b. — a hard, nearly painless bubo that shows no tendency to break.