noun
la cicatrice
scar
The word "cicatrice" in French means "scar." It refers to the mark or tissue left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed.
Meaning:
- A "cicatrice" is the physical trace left after the skin has healed from cuts, burns, surgery, or other injuries.
- It can also be used figuratively to describe emotional or psychological scars—lasting effects from traumatic experiences.
Synonyms and differences:
- Marque: A general term meaning "mark" which can refer to any stain, brand, or sign on the skin or another surface. Less specific than "cicatrice."
- Trace: Can mean any trace or remnant, not necessarily on skin, and more abstract.
- Brûlure: Means "burn" rather than scar, but burns often cause cicatrices.
- Plaie: Means "wound" or "injury"—the injury itself, before becoming a scar.
So, "cicatrice" specifically designates the healed mark after the wound ("plaie") has closed, unlike "brûlure" or "plaie" which refer to active injuries.
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Examples
Ma sœur a une petite cicatrice sur la main.noun
My sister has a small scar on her hand.
Sa cicatrice raconte un accident ancien.noun
Her scar tells the story of an old accident.
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