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Synonyms

lesion

American  
[lee-zhuhn] / ˈli ʒən /

noun

  1. an injury; hurt; wound.

  2. Pathology. any localized, abnormal structural change in the body.

  3. Plant Pathology. any localized, defined area of diseased tissue, as a spot, canker, blister, or scab.


verb (used with object)

  1. to cause a lesion or lesions in.

lesion British  
/ ˈliːʒən /

noun

  1. any structural change in a bodily part resulting from injury or disease

  2. an injury or wound

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of lesion

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin laesiōn-, stem of laesiō “injury,” from Latin laes(us) “harmed” (past participle of laedere “to harm”) + -iō -ion

Explanation

A lesion is an injury to the living tissue on your body, like your skin or an organ. Usually a lesion involves a break or wound to the skin, so protect it with a bandage so that it heals quickly. Lesion, pronounced "LEE-zhun," comes from the Latin word laesionem meaning "injury." Lesions on the skin are usually not very nice to look at, the kind of wounds that might make you grimace — things like open sores, cuts, deep scrapes or puss-filled gashes. Lesions also are a concern of doctors because if lesions develop without explanation, it can be a sign that your immune system is dangerously weak.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing lesion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lesion studies, though, seem to be having a revival.

From Scientific American • Oct. 30, 2018

Lesion network mapping empowers lesion studies to rigorously answer this newer question.

From Scientific American • Oct. 30, 2018

Lesion cases fed most of the era’s knowledge of the brain.

From Scientific American • Oct. 30, 2018

A Bankart Lesion refers to damage to the Glenoid labrum and attached joint capsule.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 9, 2017

On Monday, the Mariners’ outfielder underwent successful surgery to repair a Bankart Lesion.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 9, 2017