What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ecchymose
Example
The ecchymoses on her arm were a sign of internal bleeding. [ecchymoses: plural noun]
Example
The doctor noticed ecchymosis around the patient's eye after the accident. [ecchymosis: singular noun]
contusion
Example
The athlete suffered a contusion on his leg during the game. [contusion: noun]
Example
The nurse applied ice to the contused area to reduce swelling. [contused: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contusion is a more common word than ecchymose and is more likely to be used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ecchymose and contusion?
Both ecchymose and contusion are formal medical terms and are not commonly used in informal contexts.
