Main Entry:

stig·ma

Pronunciation:

\ˈstig-mə\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

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

Etymology:

Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo — more at stick

Date:

circa 1593

1 aarchaic : 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 disease2 astigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b: petechia3 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