Hematoma
/ˌhiː.məˈtoʊ.mə/noun
A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically due to injury.
Did you know?In ancient Greek medicine, blood was believed to hold magical properties, representing life force and vitality, making any disturbance of blood a matter of deep concern.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἷμα (haima)
“blood, often associated with life and sacrifice.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τόμα (toma)
“a cut or incision, implying an opening or wound.”
Late Latin
Latin
hematoma
“a swelling filled with blood, derived from the Greek roots.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
hematoma
“a term used in medical texts to describe blood accumulation in tissues.”
Modern English
English
hematoma
“adopted to describe a specific medical condition involving blood collection.”
Explore more surprising origins