purpura /pur″pyərə/ [L, purple] , any of several bleeding disorders characterized by hemorrhage into the tissues, particularly beneath the skin or mucous membranes, producing ecchymoses or petechiae. Compare petechiae, ecchymosis. Kinds include nonthrombocytopenic purpura, thrombocytopenic purpura. −petechiae, purpuric, adj.
