stigma

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a mark of shame or social disapproval

   The campaign tried to reduce the stigma around asking for help.

2. 2
   noun

   the part of a flower's pistil that receives pollen

   The pollen grains stuck to the sticky stigma of the flower.

3. 3
   noun

   a visible mark, scar, or sign associated with a condition

   The doctor noted a small stigma on the skin.

From Latin stigma, from Greek stigma, "mark, brand," from stizein, "to mark." The social sense comes from a visible mark of disgrace; botany applies it to the marked receiving tip of a flower.

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