clubbing

views updated

clubbing (klub-ing) n. thickening of the tissues at the bases of the finger and toe nails so that the normal angle between the nail and the digit is filled in. In extreme cases the digit end becomes bulbous like a club or drumstick. Clubbing is seen in some diseases of the heart and respiratory system, cirrhosis, and as a harmless congenital abnormality.

More From encyclopedia.com