Which term is used to describe abnormal growth of tissue?

The term 'neoplasm' specifically refers to an abnormal growth of tissue that can manifest as a tumor. This growth can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on the characteristics of the neoplasm. It is defined by an uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can arise in various parts of the body. Understanding the term "neoplasm" is crucial in medical terminology because it encapsulates the process of abnormal cell growth, which has significant implications in both diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancers.

The other terms provided refer to different processes. Inflammation is a protective response by the body to injury or infection, typically characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain; it does not imply a growth of tissue. Degeneration refers to the deterioration of tissue, typically due to injury or disease, rather than an abnormal growth. Atrophy describes the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue, often due to disuse or disease, which contrasts with the concept of increased tissue growth implied by neoplasm. Thus, 'neoplasm' is the precise term for the abnormal growth in question.