How to Pronounce Trichilemmal Cyst
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Trichilemmal Cyst Pronunciation
trik-ih-LEM-al SIST
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
trik
ih
LEM
stress here
al SIST
4 syllables
What is Trichilemmal Cyst?
A trichilemmal cyst, also called a pilar cyst, is a benign cyst that develops from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle, most commonly found on the scalp. It feels like a smooth, firm, moveable lump and is typically removed surgically if it grows large or causes discomfort.
Questions About Trichilemmal Cyst
How do you pronounce 'trichilemmal cyst'?
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Trichilemmal cyst is pronounced 'trik-ih-LEM-al SIST.' The stress falls on the second half of the first word—say it like you're emphasizing 'LEM' in the middle. The second word, 'cyst,' rhymes with 'list' or 'mist.'
How do you break 'trichilemmal' into syllables?
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Trichilemmal breaks into five syllables: tri-chi-LEM-mal. Each part flows together smoothly, but the emphasis lands on that third syllable, 'LEM,' which is where most people naturally stress it.
What's the most common mispronunciation of this word?
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Many people accidentally stress the first syllable and say 'TRIK-ih-lemmal,' but the correct stress is on the middle: 'trik-ih-LEM-al.' Another slip-up is rushing through the ending and saying 'lemul' instead of 'LEM-mal'—make sure to sound out both syllables at the end.
What do the word parts 'trichilemmal' mean?
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The word 'trichilemmal' comes from Greek roots: 'tricho-' means hair, and 'lemma' means a sheath or layer. So it literally means 'related to the hair sheath'—in this case, the sheath surrounding a hair follicle.
What's another name for a trichilemmal cyst?
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A trichilemmal cyst is also called a 'pilar cyst' (pronounced 'PIE-lar SIST'). Both names refer to the same thing, but 'pilar' comes from the Latin word 'pilus,' which means hair.
What does 'trichilemmal cyst' mean in plain English?
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In simple terms, it's a small, round, benign bump that grows from a hair follicle, usually on the scalp. The word 'cyst' just means a closed sac or pocket that forms under the skin.
What other medical words share the 'tricho-' root?
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Several dermatology terms use 'tricho-': trichology (the study of hair and scalp), trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), and trichomycosis (a fungal infection of hair). They all relate back to the Greek word for hair.
How would you use 'trichilemmal cyst' correctly in a sentence?
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You might say: 'The dermatologist explained that the bump on her scalp was a trichilemmal cyst, which is a common, harmless growth.' This shows you're using it to name a specific type of skin growth.

