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

A lawyer for Nirvana said: "We are delighted the court has ended this meritless case and freed our creative clients of the stigma of false allegations."

From BBC

And there’s a lot of cultural stigmas that she looks at when it comes to female and male gender roles.

From Los Angeles Times

There are also some in the industry who feel that, despite their popularity among young people and growing prominence in influencer culture, the change of law will not reverse the stigma towards tattoos.

From BBC

The pills are taken daily, which can be difficult for patients to consume, and can carry stigma in certain societies.

From BBC

"It could also be that the stigma on genetic conditions is being removed."

From BBC

Related Words

• scar 
• stain