purpura

noun

pur·​pu·​ra ˈpər-pyə-rə How to pronounce purpura (audio)
-pə-rə
: any of several hemorrhagic states characterized by patches of purplish discoloration resulting from extravasation of blood into the skin and mucous membranes
purpuric adjective

Examples of purpura in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Solar purpura often affects older adults, as solar purpura typically occurs due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Sep. 2024 Are there any deficiencies that can cause solar purpura? Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Sep. 2024 While stress could explain some of Mary’s skin conditions, her petechiae and purpura had been clues to a potentially fatal disease. Robert A Norman, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2011 Together the purpura and petechiae signaled to me that Mary could be suffering from something far more serious than her previous bouts with neurodermatitis or her other ailments. Robert A Norman, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2011 See all Example Sentences for purpura 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, purple color

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purpura was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near purpura

Cite this Entry

“Purpura.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purpura. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

purpura

noun
pur·​pu·​ra ˈpər-p(y)ə-rə How to pronounce purpura (audio)
: any of several hemorrhagic states characterized by patches of purplish discoloration resulting from extravasation of blood into the skin and mucous membranes see thrombocytopenic purpura

More from Merriam-Webster on purpura

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