contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio)
-ˈtyü-
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a
contuse
kən-ˈtüz How to pronounce contusion (audio)
-ˈtyüz
transitive verb

Examples of contusion in a Sentence

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg. suffered multiple contusions as a result of a car accident

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteschown, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Goth stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contusion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contusion. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

contusion

noun
con·​tus·​ion
kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən
: an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : bruise
contuse
-ˈt(y)üz
verb

Medical Definition

contusion

noun
con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio)
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1
contuse transitive verb
contused; contusing

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