What does lividity mean?
Lividity is a medical term that refers to the discoloration of the skin after death, caused by the pooling of blood in the tissues. This phenomenon occurs when the heart stops beating and the blood is no longer circulated, resulting in a purplish or bluish coloration of the skin. The degree of lividity can vary depending on the position of the body and the time elapsed since death. In forensic medicine, lividity is an important indicator of the time of death and can be used to estimate the post-mortem interval. It is a useful tool for medical examiners and coroners to determine the cause and manner of death.
nounThe discoloration of the skin after death, caused by the pooling of blood in the tissues, resulting in a purplish or bluish coloration.
- 1. The discoloration of the skin after death, caused by the pooling of blood in the tissues.
"The coroner noted the lividity of the body, which was a deep purple color, indicating that the person had been dead for several hours."
"The doctor examined the body and noted the lividity, which was a deep purple color."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lividity
The word 'lividity' comes from the Latin 'vividus', meaning 'full of life', 'lively'. It was first used in the 15th century to describe the discoloration of the skin after death.
Usage notes
Lividity is a formal term used in medical and forensic contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday language.