First Known Use: circa 1593
Dictionary
stigma
noun stig·ma \ˈstig-mə\
: a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
botany : the top part in the center of a flower which receives the pollen
plural stig·ma·ta \stig-ˈmä-tə, ˈstig-mə-tə\ or stig·mas
Full Definition of STIGMA
1
2
a stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b : petechia
3
a : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal b : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate — see flower illustration
— stig·mal \ˈstig-məl\ adjective
See stigma defined for English-language learners
See stigma defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of STIGMA
Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo — more at stick
Other Botany Terms
Rhymes with STIGMA
STIGMA Defined for Kids
stigma
noun stig·ma \ˈstig-mə\
plural stig·ma·ta \stig-ˈmä-tə, ˈstig-mə-tə\ or stig·mas
Definition of STIGMA for Kids
1
: a mark of disgrace or dishonor
2
: the upper part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains
Medical Dictionary
stigma
noun stig·ma \ˈstig-mə\
plural stig·ma·ta \stig-ˈmät-ə, ˈstig-mət-ə\ or stigmas
Medical Definition of STIGMA
1
: an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease <the stigmata of syphilis>
2
: petechia
3
: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal
Learn More About STIGMA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: stigmal platePrevious Word in the Dictionary: stifle boneAll Words Near: stigma
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up stigma? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).