HealthAugust 23, 2026
cyanosis
sigh-uh-NO-sis
Definition
A physical condition characterized by a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin or nail beds, typically caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'kyanos', meaning 'dark blue', combined with the medical suffix '-osis', which indicates a condition or process.
In the news
The article uses this term to explain that bluish nail beds can be a clinical sign of underlying circulatory or respiratory issues that prevent proper oxygenation of the blood.
What your nails are trying to tell you about your overall health
Read the full article ↗RTE.ie