tattoo

tat·too (t-t)

n. pl. tat·toos

A permanent mark or design made on the skin by a process of pricking and ingraining an indelible pigment or by raising scars.

v.

1. To mark the skin with a tattoo.

2. To form a tattoo on the skin.

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tattoo

[tato̅o̅′]

Etymology: Tahitian, tatau, marks

a permanent coloration of the skin by the introduction of foreign pigment. A tattoo may be created deliberately or may accidentally occur when a bit of graphite from a broken pencil point is embedded in the skin. Laser is preferred for removal of tattoos, although small tattoos can be removed by surgical excision. tattoo, v.

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tattoo

see tattooing.

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tattoo

Dermatology A permanent form of cutaneous decoration that may range from simple, often small dark-colored insignias, messages or symbols performed by amateurs in prison, to elaborate multi-colored animals, objects or scenes performed by more skilled workers under relatively sterile conditions; up to 25% of college-aged persons have tattoos; persons with tattoos have a 7-fold ↑ risk of HCV infection. See Laser surgery. Cf Tattooing Forensic pathology An abnormal mark etched into tissue. See Powder tattoo.