gutter wound

English

Etymology

From the shape in profile of such a wound, somewhat resembling that of a building's gutter.

Noun

gutter wound (plural gutter wounds)

1. (pathology) A traumatic wound oriented tangentially to the surface (of the skin or an internal organ), which creates a groove or furrow without passing beneath the surface.

Usage notes

Typically reserved for wounds created by high-energy projectiles, such as bullets or shell or bomb fragments.