ecchymosis

[ek-uh-moh-sis]

noun

Pathology.

plural

ecchymoses 

1. a discoloration due to extravasation of blood, as in a bruise.

ecchymosis

/ ˌɛkɪˈmɒtɪk, ˌɛkɪˈməʊsɪs, -ˌməʊst, ˈɛkɪˌməʊzd /

noun

1. discoloration of the skin through bruising

Other Word Forms

• ecchymosed adjective
• ecchymotic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecchymosis¹

1535–45; < New Latin < Greek ekchýmōsis extravasation, equivalent to ek- ec- + chȳm ( ós ) juice + -ōsis -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecchymosis¹

C16: from New Latin, from Greek ekkhumōsis, from ekkhumousthai to pour out, from khumos juice

Example Sentences

Platelet disorders can also cause ecchymoses, and more characteristically tiny red dots on the legs called petechiae.

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During some epidemics the only one observed is herpes labialis; in others the eruption resembles roseola, measles, or the mulberry rash of typhus, or from the first it consists of petechi�, vibices, or extensive ecchymoses.

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In his report, dated June 23rd, 1908, Dr. Lefevre stated: "I found on the wrists and the ankles parallel lineal ecchymoses."

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In such constitutions, ecchymosis succeeds with unusual readiness, to slight contusions.

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Is this disease scorbutic?—I never observed ecchymoses, nor in more than a single instance any the minutest red specks upon the cutis, which might be thought to resemble petechiæ.

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