# hematoma

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hematoma
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a swelling filled with clotted blood under the skin or inside the body, usually after a blow or injury. You get one when a blood vessel breaks and blood collects in one place.

For teachers: a localized collection of extravasated blood, usually clotted, within tissue or a body cavity following vascular injury.

## Examples

- The fall leaves a painful hematoma on his leg.
- After she hits her head on the cabinet, the doctor checks the small hematoma for signs of concussion.
- The MRI revealed a small subdural hematoma that explained his headaches, though the surgeon decided to monitor it rather than operate immediately.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.