kəˌlestēəˈtōmə, ˌkōləˌstē-, ˌkäləˌ- noun
( plural cholesteatomas -məz ; or cholesteatoma·ta -məd.ə)
Etymology: New Latin, from chol- + steatoma
1. : an epidermoid cyst usually in the brain arising from aberrant embryonic rests and appearing as a compact shiny flaky mass — called also pearly tumor
2. : a tumor usually growing in a confined space (as the middle ear or mastoid) and often as a sequel to chronic otitis media