ecchymosis

noun

ec·​chy·​mo·​sis ˌe-ki-ˈmō-səs 

plural ecchymoses ˌe-ki-ˈmō-ˌsēz 

: the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels

ecchymotic

ˌe-ki-ˈmä-tik 

adjective

Examples of ecchymosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bruises may appear large and dark (ecchymoses) or like tiny red or purple dots (petechiae). —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 26 Sep. 2024

These look quite different from ecchymoses, which have a blotchy appearance. —Consumer Reports, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek ekchȳ́mōsis, from ekchȳmō-, stem of ekchȳmoûsthai "to extravasate blood" (from ek- ec- + -chȳmousthai, verbal derivative of chȳmós "juice of plants, animal or plant fluid, humor") + -sis -sis — more at chyme

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ecchymosis

noun

ec·​chy·​mo·​sis ˌek-ə-ˈmō-səs 

plural ecchymoses -ˌsēz 

: the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels marked by a livid black-and-blue or purple spot or area

also : the discoloration so caused

ecchymotic

-ˈmät-ik 

adjective