stigma

Where it comes from

Stigma ordinarily means a strong social mark of shame or disapproval. Stigma came through Latin from Greek stigma, a puncture, tattoo mark, or brand made by a pointed instrument. It is related to Greek stizein, to tattoo or mark, and ultimately to the same ancient root family as stick. A physical brand became a figurative mark of disgrace, then the wider social burden of negative beliefs.

How the meaning developed

Scientific uses kept the neutral idea of a mark or small receptive spot, including the pollen-receiving part of a flower.