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

Related to STIGMA

Synonyms: blot, brand, onus, slur, smirch, smudge, spot, stain, taint

Related Words: black eye, discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, guilt, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame; corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, unscrupulousness, vice

Near Antonyms: award, credit, honor; chasteness, chastity, modesty, purity, stainlessness; good, right; honesty, integrity, legitimacy, probity, rectitude, scrupulousness, uprightness; goodness, righteousness, virtuousness; fame, glory, renown, repute

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Other Botany Terms

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

Rhymes with STIGMA

sigma