echymosis, ecchymotic The passage of blood from ruptured blood vessels into subcutaneous tissue, marked by a purple discoloration of the skin. A bruise or contusion or ecchymosis is a kind of injury, usually caused by blunt impact, in which the capillaries are damaged, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissue. Normally minor, but painfu... Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/469/