wen
Wen (noun) means a harmless cyst or lump under the skin, especially on the scalp. Example: “The old doctor recognized the lump straight away as a simple wen.”
How to use wen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for a small, harmless lump under the skin.
Largely archaic; modern medical writing prefers "cyst" or "sebaceous cyst."
Word forms
wens plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old doctor recognized the lump straight away as a simple _____.
Etymology
From Old English wenn, meaning "a wen" or "boil" — an old, mostly informal term rarely used in modern medical writing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wen
See all rhymes for wen →Frequently asked questions
What does “wen” mean?
The word “wen” means a harmless cyst or lump under the skin, especially on the scalp. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a small, harmless lump under the skin.
How do you pronounce “wen”?
“Wen” is pronounced wehn (/wɛn/ in IPA).
How do you use “wen” in a sentence?
Here is “wen” used in a sentence: “The old doctor recognized the lump straight away as a simple wen.”
What part of speech is “wen”?
“Wen” is a noun.
Where does the word “wen” come from?
The word “wen” comes from Old English. From Old English wenn, meaning "a wen" or "boil" — an old, mostly informal term rarely used in modern medical writing.
Is “wen” a common word?
“Wen” is an uncommon word in modern English.