1. A small rounded mass of blood vessels and nerve endings, especially in the skin of the fingertips and toes, that helps regulate body temperature.
Usage: anatomy; medical
2. A benign tumor arising from a glomus body, typically painful and occurring under the nails or in the skin.
Usage: medical; pathology

Examples

• The glomus bodies in your fingertips help you sense temperature changes.
• A glomus tumor under the nail can cause significant pain and discomfort.
• Dermatologists often examine glomera when diagnosing vascular skin conditions.
• The glomus is richly innervated with sensory nerve fibers.
• Surgical removal of a glomus tumor may be necessary if it becomes painful.