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stigma


stig·ma

noun \ˈstig-mə\
plural stig·ma·ta\stig-ˈmä-tə, ˈstig-mə-tə\ or stig·mas

Definition of STIGMA

1
a archaic : a scar left by a hot iron : brand b : a mark of shame or discredit : stain <bore the stigma of cowardice> c : an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
2
a stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b : petechia
3
a : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal b : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate — see flower illustration
stig·mal \ˈstig-məl\ adjective

Examples of STIGMA

  1. There's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare.
  2. <the stigma of slavery remained long after it had been abolished>

Origin of STIGMA

Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo — more at stick
First Known Use: circa 1593

Other Botany Terms

annual, burgeon, chloroplast, nomenclature, succulent, sylvan, xylem

Rhymes with STIGMA

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