scar

¹

[ skahr ]

noun

1. a mark left by a healed wound, sore, or burn.
2. a lasting aftereffect of trouble, especially a lasting psychological injury resulting from suffering or trauma.
3. any blemish remaining as a trace of or resulting from injury or use.
4. Botany. a mark indicating a former point of attachment, as where a leaf has fallen from a stem.

verb (used with object)

, scarred, scar·ring.

1. to mark with a scar.

verb (used without object)

, scarred, scar·ring.

1. to form a scar in healing.

scar

²

[ skahr ]

noun

, British.

1. a precipitous, rocky place; cliff.
2. a low or submerged rock in the sea.

scar

¹

/ skɑː /

noun

1. any mark left on the skin or other tissue following the healing of a wound
2. a permanent change in a person's character resulting from emotional distress

   his wife's death left its scars on him

3. the mark on a plant indicating the former point of attachment of a part, esp the attachment of a leaf to a stem
4. a mark of damage; blemish

verb

1. to mark or become marked with a scar
2. intr to heal leaving a scar

scar

²

/ skɑː /

noun

1. an irregular enlongated trench-like feature on a land surface that often exposes bedrock
2. a similar formation in a river or sea

Other Words From

• scar·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scar¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; shortening of eschar

Origin of scar²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English scarre, skerre, from Old Norse sker skerry

Word History and Origins

Origin of scar¹

C14: via Late Latin from Greek eskhara scab

Origin of scar²

C14: from Old Norse sker low reef, skerry

Example Sentences

He points out the bite marks on his forearms and adds: "So, I hurt myself all the time - see the scars here?"

From BBC

This is a useful and thoughtful gift for gardeners tired of sporting itchy scars after a day in the yard.

From Los Angeles Times

We have to do everything in our power to provide our youth and families with the resources they need to process their fears and traumas before we harden the scars that will last a lifetime.

From Salon

As a child, he’d been diagnosed with a scarred kidney — a condition that left him fearful of drinking.

From Los Angeles Times

The ghost Agatha that walks into the light with Billy is someone who is willing to face her past and her scars, even if it takes time.

From Salon

Related Words

• blister
• crater
• defect
• discoloration
• disfigurement
• flaw
• scab
• wound