A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood. Most easily seen in the lips, fingertips, and around the mouth.
From Greek 'kyanos' (dark blue) + '-osis' (condition). The term was coined in the 19th century as doctors began to understand the relationship between blood oxygenation and skin color. The Greek root 'kyanos' also gives us 'cyan' and 'cyanide,' reflecting the blue color association.
Try Another Word