lesion

[ lee-zhuhn ]

noun

1. an injury; hurt; wound.
2. Pathology. any localized, abnormal structural change in the body.
3. Plant Pathology. any localized, defined area of diseased tissue, as a spot, canker, blister, or scab.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a lesion or lesions in.

lesion

/ ˈliːʒən /

noun

1. any structural change in a bodily part resulting from injury or disease
2. an injury or wound

Word History and Origins

Origin of lesion¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin laesiōn-, stem of laesiō “injury,” from Latin laes(us) “harmed” (past participle of laedere “to harm”) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of lesion¹

C15: via Old French from Late Latin laesiō injury, from Latin laedere to hurt

Example Sentences

But she said a lesion remains on her bowel and she is likely to need further surgery.

From BBC

The new PCR test enables the detection of the mpox DNA taken from skin lesion swabs.

From BBC

He suffered lacerations to his liver and stomach, penetrating wounds to his abdomen and chest wall, and an incomplete spinal lesion during the attack.

From BBC

He said he "recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal cords" and that the prognosis was "very positive".

From BBC

A child with a cancerous lesion on her toe was mistakenly diagnosed as having a wart.

From BBC

Related Words

• abrasion
• bruise
• contusion
• laceration
• sore