naevus (nee-vŭs) n. (pl. naevi) a birthmark: a clearly defined malformation of the skin, present at birth. capillary n. (port-wine stain) a permanent purplish discoloration, composed of small blood vessels, that may occur anywhere but usually appears on the upper half of the body. Laser treatment can reduce the discoloration. Occasionally it may be associated with a malformation of blood vessels over the brain, for example in the Sturge-Weber syndrome. spider n. a collection of distended blood capillaries radiating out from a central point: a sign of liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, or thyrotoxicosis and also a feature of normal pregnancy. strawberry n. (strawberry mark) a raised red lump, composed of small blood vessels, usually appearing on the face and growing rapidly in the first month of life. It slowly resolves and spontaneously disappears between the ages of five and ten. See also mole2.

naevus A purple/red area of skin, due to an overgrowth of blood vessels (haemangioma), usually congenital — a vascular birthmark. At best, a small red ‘beauty spot’ and at worst the severe disfiguration known as a ‘port wine’ naevus. A ‘strawberry’ naevus is a different type which grows and reddens after birth, and usually regresses later.

Stuart Judge

naevus mole on the skin. XIX. — L.; of uncert. orig.