stigma

stigma /stig·ma/ (stig´mah) pl. stigmas, stig´mata   [Gr.]

1. any mental or physical mark or peculiarity that aids in identification or diagnosis of a condition.

2. a mark, spot, or pore on the surface of an organ or organism.

3. follicular s.

4. a distinguishing personal trait that is perceived as or actually is physically, socially, or psychologically disadvantageous.

5. in the plural, purpuric or hemorrhagic lesions of the hands and/or feet, resembling crucifixion wounds.stig´malstigmat´ic

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follicular stigma  a spot on the surface of an ovary where the vesicular follicle will rupture and permit passage of the secondary oocyte during ovulation.

malpighian stigmas  the points where the smaller veins enter into the larger veins of the spleen.

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stig·ma (stgm)

n. pl. stig·mas or stig·ma·ta (stg-mät, -mt, stgm-)

1. Visible evidence of a disease.

2. A spot or blemish on the skin.

3. A bleeding spot on the skin considered as a manifestation of conversion disorder.

4. The orange pigmented eyespot of certain chlorophyll-bearing protozoa, such as Euglena viridis. It serves as a light filter by absorbing certain wavelengths.

5. A mark of shame or discredit.

6. Follicular stigma.

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stigma

[stig′mə] pl. stigmas, stigmata

Etymology: Gk, brand

1 a moral or physical blemish.

2 a mental or physical characteristic that serves to identify a disease or a condition.

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stigma [stig´mah]

1. any mental or physical mark or peculiarity which aids in the identification or in the diagnosis of a condition.

2. a mark, spot, or pore on the surface of an organ or organism.

3. follicular stigma.

4. in botany, the uppermost part of a pistil, which secretes a moist, sticky substance to trap and hold the pollen that reaches it.

5. an eyespot of chromatophore-bearing protozoa, such as certain euglenoids, comprising a dark pigmented mass that functions in light detection by shielding the photoreceptor cells from specific wavelengths.

6. a distinguishing personal trait that is perceived as or actually is physically, socially, or psychologically disadvantageous.

7. in the plural, gill slits around the pharynx in urochordates, through which pass respiratory and feeding currents.

8. in the plural, purpuric or hemorrhagic lesions of the hands and/or feet, which resemble crucifixion wounds. adj., adj stigmat´ic, stig´mal.

follicular stigma a spot on the surface of an ovary where the vesicular ovarian follicle will rupture and permit passage of the ovum during ovulation. Called also macula folliculi.

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stigma

pl. stigmas, stigmata [Gr.] any physical mark or peculiarity that aids in identification or diagnosis of a condition.

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follicular stigma

a 2 mm wide band around the meridian of all follicles greater than 4 mm diameter in the left ovary of the domestic fowl.

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stigma

 A sign, mark, feature, indicator of something, which generally has a negative connotation

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Patient discussion about stigma.

Q. Should I tell people about it? After a long time of visits to numerous doctors, psychiatrists, speech therapist and others, we were told that our child has autism. We are in a dilemma- should we tell others about it? Will it be better for him or will it put a stigma on him and on his borhters? Don’t get me wrong- we love him more than anything no matter what he has, but we are just not sure how people would react to this news. What would you do?

A. I believe you should do what feels right to you- if at first you would rather tell just your close family members or friends, that is perfectly fine. With time, when your son is older or when you feel more comfortable with the idea of his autism, you can decide to tell everyone else. I don't think nowadays there's any stigma about autistic children, and people understand their needs better than in the past. However, you must be prepared to handle all sorts of people, some of whom may express false opinions about autism.