stigma
UK: ˈstɪɡmə | US: ˈstɪɡmə
n. a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person
n. (Biology) a part of the pistil of a flower that receives pollen
n. (Medicine) a visible sign or characteristic of a disease
stigma = stig<mark, puncture> + ma<noun suffix>
- stig (from Greek stigma "mark, puncture, brand")
- ma (a noun-forming suffix in Greek, often indicating a result or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "stigma" traces back to ancient Greek, where it originally referred to a mark made by a pointed instrument, such as a brand or tattoo. This evolved metaphorically to denote a mark of shame or disgrace, as physical branding was historically used to mark slaves or criminals. In botany, it was adopted to describe the pollen-receptive tip of a flower's pistil, likely due to its visual resemblance to a small mark. The medical sense arose from the idea of a visible indicator of disease.
The stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents people from seeking help.
The bee transferred pollen from the anther to the stigma of the flower.
In ancient Greece, slaves bore stigmas to signify their status.
The disease's early stigmas include fever and rash.
She fought to overcome the stigma of her past mistakes.