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Glite Dictionary
nevus flammeus

nevus flammeus

9.9
A flat pink to purple mark on the skin present at birth, often called a port-wine stain
  • noun
  • /ˈniːvəs ˈflæmiəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : nevo flammeo
  • The doctor explained that the nevus flammeus on the infant's cheek was harmless and could be treated if desired.

Examples

  • Her nevus flammeus was clearly visible on her left arm but did not cause any health problems.

  • Many people choose to have a nevus flammeus removed for cosmetic reasons, though it is typically benign.

  • The baby was born with a nevus flammeus on her forehead.

  • Many people with a nevus flammeus embrace their unique appearance.

  • The doctor explained that the nevus flammeus on the infant's cheek was harmless and could be treated if desired.

  • Many people choose to have a nevus flammeus removed for cosmetic reasons, though it is typically benign.

  • The baby was born with a nevus flammeus on her forehead.

Synonyms

birthmark
vsnevus flammeus
43 1.3

A mark on the skin you are born with that has a different color or feel

is a specific flat pink to purple type rather than any skin mark
nevus
vsnevus flammeus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A skin mark present at birth, like a birthmark or mole

is specifically the flat pink to purple vascular mark rather than general congenital blemishes
port-wine stain
vsnevus flammeus
  • Specialized
6.6

A flat pink or purple birthmark on the skin caused by too many small blood vessels

is the same mark but named with the alternate expression
nevoid
vsnevus flammeus
  • Specialized
9.6

A mark or small growth on the skin like a mole

refers to the same flat vascular skin mark rather than general growths

Surface Forms

nevus flammeus singular
nevi flammei plural

Morphology

nevus + flammeus

Nevus means a birthmark and flammeus is a Latin-derived adjective meaning flame‑coloured or reddisht; together they literally denote a flame‑coloured (port‑wine) birthmark. The compound is compositional (noun + descriptive adjective) so a learner who knows both constituents can directly infer the intended medical meaning, despite the term's Latin/medical register.

Etymology

Nevus flammeus comes from Latin words: nevus meaning 'birthmark' and flammeus meaning 'flame'. The picture of a small red 'flame' on the skin is an easy memory hook, and that's why the term now names a red or purple 'birthmark' called a 'port-wine stain'.