What Does Ecchymosis Mean?
ek-ih-MOH-sis
IPA: /ˌɛk.ɪˈmoʊ.sɪs/
ek
ih
MOH
sis
Ecchymosis is pronounced ek-ih-MOH-sis
What does Ecchymosis mean?
Ecchymosis is the medical term for a bruise — a discoloration of skin caused by blood leaking from ruptured capillaries into subcutaneous tissue.
How do you pronounce Ecchymosis?
Ecchymosis is pronounced "ek-ih-MOH-sis". Syllables: ek - ih - moh - sis.
When is Ecchymosis used in medicine?
Spontaneous or disproportionate ecchymosis suggests coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), or anticoagulant therapy. Periorbital ecchymosis ('raccoon eyes') suggests basilar skull fracture.
Word Parts & Etymology
Greek prefixek-out of
Greek rootchymosjuice, fluid (here: blood)
Common Misconceptions
Ecchymosis (bruise, >1 cm, flat) vs petechiae (<2 mm, pinpoint bleeds) vs purpura (2 mm–1 cm). Size and mechanism differentiate these skin bleeds.
Clinical Context
Spontaneous or disproportionate ecchymosis suggests coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), or anticoagulant therapy. Periorbital ecchymosis ('raccoon eyes') suggests basilar skull fracture.
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