Clinical Diagnosis · Integumentary System · Medium
Ecchymosis
Meaning: A bruise: a discoloured patch caused by bleeding beneath the skin.
In practice: Easy bruising may indicate a clotting disorder, liver disease, Cushing's syndrome or anticoagulant use.
Word parts
- -osis means an abnormal condition or process
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Inflammation of the small blind-ended tube arising from the caecum.
Answer: Appendicitis
Which word means: Acquired loss of skin pigment producing sharply defined pale white patches.
Answer: Vitiligo
Words like ecchymosis come up in the daily game
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