- stigma
- 1. Visible evidence of a disease. 2. SYN: follicular s.. 3. Any spot or blemish on the skin. 4. A bleeding spot on the skin, which is considered a manifestation of conversion hysteria. 5. The orange-pigmented eyespot of certain chlorophyll-bearing protozoa, such as Euglena viridis, which serves as a light filter by absorbing certain wavelengths. 6. A mark of shame or discredit. [G. a mark. fr. stizo, to prick]- follicular s. the point where the graafian follicle is about to rupture on the surface of the ovary. SYN: macula pellucida, s. (2).- malpighian stigmas the points of entrance of the smaller veins into the larger veins of the spleen.
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1) an identifying mark or characteristic specif a specific diagnostic sign of a disease <the stigmata of syphilis>2) PETECHIA3) a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal* * *
n. (pl. stigmata)1. a mark that characterizes a particular disease, such as the café au lait spots characteristic of neurofibromatosis.2. any spot or lesion on the skin.* * *
stig·ma (stigґmə) pl. stigmas, stigґmata [Gr. “markâ€] 1. any mental or physical mark or peculiarity that aids in the identification or in the diagnosis of a condition. 2. a mark, spot, or pore on the surface of an organ or organism. 3. follicular s. 4. in botany, the uppermost part of a pistil, which secretes a moist, sticky substance to trap and hold the pollen that reaches it. 5. an eyespot of chromatophore-bearing protozoa, such as certain euglenoids, comprising a dark pigmented mass that functions in light detection by shielding the photoreceptor cells from specific wavelengths. 6. a distinguishing personal trait that is perceived as or actually is physically, socially, or psychologically disadvantageous. 7. (in the pl.) gill slits around the pharynx in urochordates, through which pass respiratory and feeding currents. 8. (in the pl.) purpuric or hemorrhagic lesions of the hands and/or feet, which resemble crucifixion wounds.
Medical dictionary. 2011.
