word-forming element meaning "tumor," from Latinized form of Greek kēlē "tumor, rupture, hernia," from PIE *kehul- "tumor" (source also of Old Norse haull, Old English heala "groin rupture," Old Church Slavonic kyla, Lithuanian kūlas "rupture").
Entries linking to -cele
cystocele n.
"hernia or rupture formed by protrusion of the bladder," 1811, from French cystocèle, from Latinized form of Greek kystis "bladder" (which is of unknown origin) + kele "tumor, rupture, hernia" (see -cele).
varicocele n.
"tumor in the scrotum," 1736, medical Latin, from Latin varico-, combining form of varix "dilated vein," (see varicose) + Latinized form of Greek kele "tumor, rupture, hernia" (see -cele).