noun

contusion

kun-TOO-zhun/kənˈtuːʒn/

A bruise caused by injury without breaking the skin.

A purple-blue contusion marks the woman's forearm beneath unbroken skin.

A close view of a woman's forearm with a distinct purple-blue bruise beneath visibly intact skin; her other hand gently supports the arm without covering the injury.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+tusLatinto beat

+ionLatinaction or result

With com- perhaps adding emphasis, tundere supplies the image of beating or crushing. The resulting noun was already used medically in Latin for a bruise, matching an injury beneath unbroken skin.

In context

Dale Brisby101:51

i had a pretty like severe contusion on my left leg and so i couldn't walk

First marine fighting in Iraq after 9/11 and how earned a medal - Rodeo Time Podcast 67

More examples

The fall left a large contusion on her thigh.
An ice pack helps reduce swelling around the contusion.
His medical report lists several contusions but no broken bones.

Forms

contusion · contusions

Similar words

bruise: The everyday term for the same injury beneath unbroken skin.
hematoma: A localized collection of blood, often forming a swollen lump.