ecchymosis

noun

ec·​chy·​mo·​sis ˌe-ki-ˈmō-səs How to pronounce ecchymosis (audio)
plural ecchymoses ˌe-ki-ˈmō-ˌsēz How to pronounce ecchymosis (audio)
: the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels
ecchymotic adjective

Examples of ecchymosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These look quite different from ecchymoses, which have a blotchy appearance. Consumer Reports, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ecchymosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek ekchȳ́mōsis, from ekchȳmō-, stem of ekchȳmoûsthai "to extravasate blood" (from ek- ec- + -chȳmousthai, verbal derivative of chȳmós "juice of plants, animal or plant fluid, humor") + -sis -sis — more at chyme

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ecchymosis was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near ecchymosis

Cite this Entry

“Ecchymosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecchymosis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ecchymosis

noun
ec·​chy·​mo·​sis ˌek-ə-ˈmō-səs How to pronounce ecchymosis (audio)
plural ecchymoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce ecchymosis (audio)
: the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels marked by a livid black-and-blue or purple spot or area
also : the discoloration so caused
ecchymotic adjective
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