stigma
[ stig-muh ]
/ ˈstɪg mə /
noun, plural stig·ma·ta [stig-muh-tuh, stig-mah-tuh, -mat-uh] /ˈstɪg mə tə, stɪgˈmɑ tə, -ˈmæt ə/, stig·mas.
a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.
Medicine/Medical.
- a mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease: the stigmata of leprosy.
- a place or point on the skin that bleeds during certain mental states, as in hysteria.
Zoology.
- a small mark, spot, or pore on an animal or organ.
- the eyespot of a protozoan.
- an entrance into the respiratory system of insects.
Botany.
the part of a pistil that receives the pollen.
stigmata,
marks resembling the wounds of the crucified body of Christ, said to be supernaturally impressed on the bodies of certain persons, especially nuns, tertiaries, and monastics.
Archaic.
a mark made by a branding iron on the skin of a criminal or slave.
Origin of stigma
1580–90; < Latin < Greek
stígma tattoo mark, equivalent to
stig- (stem of
stízein to tattoo) +
-ma noun suffix denoting result of action; see
stick2
Words nearby stigma
stiffen,
stiffener,
stiffy,
stifle,
stifling,
stigma,
stigmasterol,
stigmatic,
stigmatism,
stigmatist,
stigmatization
Example sentences from the Web for stigma
British Dictionary definitions for stigma
stigma
/ (ˈstɪɡmə) /
noun plural stigmas or for sense 7 stigmata (ˈstɪɡmətə, stɪɡˈmɑːtə)
Word Origin for stigma
C16: via Latin from Greek: brand, from
stizein to tattoo
Medical definitions for stigma
stigma
[ stĭg′mə ]
n. pl. stig•mas
Visible evidence of a disease.
A spot or blemish on the skin.
A bleeding spot on the skin considered as a manifestation of conversion disorder.
The orange pigmented eyespot of certain chlorophyll-bearing protozoa, such as Euglena viridis. It serves as a light filter by absorbing certain wavelengths.
A mark of shame or discredit.
Follicular stigma.
Scientific definitions for stigma
stigma
[ stĭg′mə ]
The sticky tip of a flower pistil, on which pollen is deposited at the beginning of pollination. See more at flower.