hematoma

American  

[hee-ma-toh-muh, hem-uh-] / ˌhi mæˈtoʊ mə, ˌhɛm ə- /

noun

Pathology.

plural

hematomas, hematomata

1. a circumscribed collection of blood, usually clotted, in a tissue or organ, caused by a break in a blood vessel.

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hematoma Scientific  

/ hē′mə-tō′mə /

plural

hematomas

1. The abnormal buildup of blood in an organ or other tissue of the body, caused by a break in a blood vessel.

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Etymology

Origin of hematoma

First recorded in 1840–50; hemat- + -oma

Compare meaning

How does hematoma compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hematoma vs. blood clot

Example Sentences

In the early days after injury, a hematoma or bruise develops at the fracture site.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

“I think people can understand a torn rotator cuff,” Grace says, “but they can’t necessarily understand pelvic hematoma until they’ve had one.”

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2025

Bhatti, 21, is paralyzed from the waist down and has a spinal fracture and brain hematoma, according to a GoFundMe created to cover her medical costs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2025

Initially, Nuttal said he couldn’t say whether the injuries — including a hematoma or egg over his right eye — came from a fight.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

The breath-sounds on auscultation and the difficulty in swallowing led to the belief that one of the bronchi was blocked by the pressure of a hematoma.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)