hematoma

American  

[hee-ma-toh-muh, hem-uh-] / ˌhi mæˈtoʊ mə, ˌhɛm ə- /

noun

Pathology.

plural

hematomas, hematomata

1. a circumscribed collection of blood, usually clotted, in a tissue or organ, caused by a break in a blood vessel.

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hematoma Scientific  

/ hē′mə-tō′mə /

plural

hematomas

1. The abnormal buildup of blood in an organ or other tissue of the body, caused by a break in a blood vessel.

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Etymology

Origin of hematoma

First recorded in 1840–50; hemat- + -oma

Compare meaning

How does hematoma compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hematoma vs. blood clot

Example Sentences

In the early days after injury, a hematoma or bruise develops at the fracture site.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

“I think people can understand a torn rotator cuff,” Grace says, “but they can’t necessarily understand pelvic hematoma until they’ve had one.”

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2025

Bhatti, 21, is paralyzed from the waist down and has a spinal fracture and brain hematoma, according to a GoFundMe created to cover her medical costs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2025

Toriyama died in March aged 68 after he suffered an acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

The examination showed a large hematoma in the left wall of the abdomen, and other complications.

From The Moravians in Georgia, 1735-1740 by Fries, Adelaide L. (Adelaide Lisetta)