[stig.ma] n, pl stig.ma.ta or stig.mas [L stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, fr. Gk, fr. stizein to tattoo--more at stick] (ca. 1593) 1 a archaic: a scar left by a hot iron: brand b: a mark of shame or discredit: stain c: an identifying mark or characteristic; specif: a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
2. a stigmata pl: bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b: petechia 3 a: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal b: the usu. apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate--see flower illustration -- stig.mal adj