contusions

IPA/kəntjˈuːʒənz/
KK[kəntˈuʒənz]IPA/kəntˈuːʒənz/

contusions — noun

1. dark or sore marks under the skin caused by a blow that does not break the skin

1.nounC1
Definition

dark or sore marks under the skin caused by a blow that does not break the skin

Example

The doctor found several contusions on Kenji's shoulder after the fall.

medical report: contusions on [body part]

Roya left the game with leg contusions from two hard tackles.

Common collocations
  • minor contusions
  • multiple contusions
  • facial contusions
  • cuts and contusions
Synonyms
  • bruise

    more common everyday word for the same kind of injury

Usage Note

Mostly used in medical records or hospital talk; everyday English usually says bruises.

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

This medical noun came into English from French and ultimately from Latin. Its Latin source meant 'to bruise or beat,' which matches the idea of an injury caused by a blow without cutting the skin.