stigma

[stig-muh]

noun

plural

stigmata, stigmas 

1. a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.

   Synonyms: tarnish, blemish, blot

2. Medicine/Medical.

   1. a mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease.

      the stigmata of leprosy.

   2. a place or point on the skin that bleeds during certain mental states, as in hysteria.

3. Zoology.

   1. a small mark, spot, or pore on an animal or organ.

   2. the eyespot of a protozoan.

   3. an entrance into the respiratory system of insects.

4. Botany.,  the part of a pistil that receives the pollen.

5. 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.

6. Archaic.,  a mark made by a branding iron on the skin of a criminal or slave.

stigma

/ ˈstɪɡmə /

noun

1. a distinguishing mark of social disgrace

   the stigma of having been in prison

2. a small scar or mark such as a birthmark

3. pathol

   1. any mark on the skin, such as one characteristic of a specific disease

   2. any sign of a mental deficiency or emotional upset

4. botany the receptive surface of a carpel, where deposited pollen germinates

5. zoology

   1. a pigmented eyespot in some protozoans and other invertebrates

   2. the spiracle of an insect

6. archaic,  a mark branded on the skin

7. (plural) Christianity marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ, believed to appear on the bodies of certain individuals

stigma

1. The sticky tip of a flower pistil, on which pollen is deposited at the beginning of pollination.

2. See more at flower

Word History and Origins

Origin of stigma¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin, from Greek stígma “tattoo mark,” equivalent to stig- (stem of stízein “to tattoo”) + -ma, noun suffix; stick ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of stigma¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: brand, from stizein to tattoo

Example Sentences

In addition, people no doubt experience the psychological stress and stigma of a possible criminal conviction differently.

Read more on Salon

But the result is the same: Increased stigma, decreased safety and greater justification for discriminatory policies.

Read more on Salon

She said in addition to the different physical symptoms, there can be cultural pressures and stigmas at play among some black and Asian communities, where the topic of women's health can be a taboo.

Read more on BBC

There was a stigma associated with ADHD—such as that students who had it weren’t very bright—and they didn’t like the idea of medicating their children.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She warned that the proposals, by only applying to those with a formal diagnosis, could exacerbate stigma, create barriers to recovery and risk legal challenges over the right to treatment.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• scar 
• stain