Bruise

A bruise or "contusion" is an traumatic injury of the soft tissues which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells. In the skin it can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration that does not blanch when pressed upon. When a bruise fades it becomes green and brown as the body metabolizes the blood cells in the skin. It is best treated with local application of a cold pack immediately after injury. Also called a

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An injury producing a hematoma or diffuse extravasation of blood without rupture of the skin. [M.E. bruisen, fr. O.Fr., fr. Germanic]

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bruise 'brüz vb, bruised; bruis·ing vt

1) to inflict a bruise on: CONTUSE

2) WOUND, INJURE esp to inflict psychological hurt on vi to undergo bruising <she \bruises easily>

bruise n

1) an injury transmitted through unbroken skin to underlying tissue causing rupture of small blood vessels and escape of blood into the tissue with resulting discoloration: CONTUSION

2) an injury esp. to the feelings

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(contusion)

n.

an area of skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood from ruptured underlying vessels following injury. Initially red or pink, a bruise gradually becomes bluish, and then greenish yellow, as the haemoglobin in the tissues breaks down chemically and is absorbed. It may be necessary to draw off blood from very severe bruises through a needle, to aid healing.

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(brz) 1. contusion. 2. to cause or develop a contusion.