Bleed

Definition

Bleed refers to the loss of blood from a wound or cut. It can also mean the movement or spread of a liquid, color, or substance beyond its intended boundary. In printing, it describes an area that extends beyond the trim edge of a page. As a verb, it means to lose blood or allow a substance to spread or flow uncontrollably.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bliːd/
• Respelling: bleed

The pronunciation of "bleed" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "bleed" originates from the Old English word "blēdan," meaning "to lose blood," derived from "blōd," meaning "blood." Its figurative use to describe the spreading of liquids, colors, or substances developed over time, especially in the context of art and printing.

Derivatives

• Bleeding (noun/verb)
• Bleeder (noun)
• Bloodless (adjective)
• Outbleed (verb, rare)
• Unbleeding (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Hemorrhage (for medical context)
• Seep
• Exude

Antonyms

• Clot
• Seal
• Contain

Usage

The term "bleed" is used in various contexts, from medicine, where it refers to the loss of blood due to an injury or cut, to printing, where it describes images or colors that extend beyond the trim edge of the page. Additionally, in design, "bleed" can describe the spread of ink or color beyond boundaries. The term is also used metaphorically, such as in "bleeding heart," meaning someone who is overly compassionate or sympathetic.

Related Terms

• Hemorrhage: Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding, especially internal bleeding.
• Clot: A mass of coagulated blood or other material that stops bleeding.
• Seepage: The slow escape of a liquid through a porous surface.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To lose blood from an injury: Describes the process of blood escaping from the body due to a wound or cut.
  • Example: "He started to bleed from the small cut on his finger."
• To spread or flow uncontrollably: Refers to the action of a liquid or color seeping beyond its designated area or boundary.
  • Example: "The ink bled through the paper."

Noun

• The act or process of losing blood: Refers to the process of blood loss, especially in a medical or injury context.
  • Example: "The bleed from the wound was controlled by applying pressure."
• An area beyond the trim edge in printing: In printing, describes the portion of a printed image that extends past the cut line to ensure full coverage.
  • Example: "Make sure there’s a 0.125-inch bleed around the edges of the page."