purpura

[ pur-pyoor-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a disease characterized by purple or brownish-red spots on the skin or mucous membranes, caused by the extravasation of blood.

purpura

/ ˈpɜːpjʊrə /

noun

1. pathol any of several blood diseases causing purplish spots or patches on the skin due to subcutaneous bleeding

Derived Forms

• ˈpurpuric, adjective

Other Words From

• pur·pu·ric [pur-, pyoor, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of purpura¹

1680–90; < New Latin, special use of Latin purpura. See purple

Word History and Origins

Origin of purpura¹

C18: via Latin from Greek porphura a shellfish yielding purple dye

Example Sentences

Mixed with the dark purpura in different proportions, it furnished a variety of permanent tints.

From Project Gutenberg

The Purpura lapillus and Littorina litorea and rudis (periwinkles), so plentiful on this coast, are present.

From Project Gutenberg

Describe the clinical appearance and course of an individual lesion of purpura.

From Project Gutenberg

The lesion of purpura consists essentially of a hemorrhage into the cutaneous tissues.

From Project Gutenberg

Death from privation and from purpura and scurvy would certainly cease.

From Project Gutenberg