Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From post-classical Latin scirrhoma from Hellenistic Greek σκίρρωμα, σκίρωμα hardened swelling or tumour from ancient Greek σκιροῦσθαι, σκιρροῦσθαι to be or become hardened or indurated (Hippocrates; from σκίρρος, σκῖρος) + -μα.