1. marks of disgrace or shame associated with particular circumstances, qualities, or people
Usage: plural of stigma
2. the parts of a flower’s pistil that receive pollen during pollination
Usage: botanical term; plural of stigma

Examples

• Mental health stigmas prevent many people from seeking treatment.
• The stigmas surrounding addiction make recovery more difficult.
• Society must work to reduce the stigmas faced by marginalized communities.
• The flower’s stigmas were covered with yellow pollen.
• Bees transfer pollen from anthers to stigmas during pollination.
• The stigmas of poverty affected her throughout childhood.
• Cultural stigmas about divorce have lessened over time.