In Sanskrit, "Gulma" (गुल्म) primarily means a bush, shrub,
or thicket. In medical and classical contexts, it also refers
to an abdominal mass or tumor-like swelling.
General Meanings
- 2 Sources
Ayurvedic/Medical Meaning
- It refers to any palpable, round, compact abdominal swelling.
- 1 Source
Literal Meaning in Literature
- This reflects the classical use of terms in Sanskrit, where a
- single word often carries multiple related literal, metaphorical,
- or technical meanings depending on context.
- 3 Sources
Summary
- Primary meaning: Bush, shrub, or thicket
- Medicine/Ayurveda: Abdominal mass, tumor, visceral lump
- Other classical uses: Army division, fort or entrenchment, wharf,
- or stairs
- 1 Source
By understanding context—botanical, medical, or literary—one can determine which meaning of "gulma" applies in a specific
Sanskrit text.