purpura

noun

pur·​pu·​ra ˈpər-pyə-rə 

-pə-rə

: any of several hemorrhagic states characterized by patches of purplish discoloration resulting from extravasation of blood into the skin and mucous membranes

purpuric

ˌpər-ˈpyu̇r-ik 

adjective

Examples of purpura in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Solar purpura often affects older adults, as solar purpura typically occurs due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Sep. 2024

Are there any deficiencies that can cause solar purpura? —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Sep. 2024

While stress could explain some of Mary’s skin conditions, her petechiae and purpura had been clues to a potentially fatal disease. —Robert A Norman, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2011

Together the purpura and petechiae signaled to me that Mary could be suffering from something far more serious than her previous bouts with neurodermatitis or her other ailments. —Robert A Norman, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2011

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, purple color

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

purpura

noun

pur·​pu·​ra ˈpər-p(y)ə-rə 

: any of several hemorrhagic states characterized by patches of purplish discoloration resulting from extravasation of blood into the skin and mucous membranes see thrombocytopenic purpura