Cyanotic is a medical term that refers to a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by low levels of oxygen in the blood. Some synonyms for the word cyanotic include bluish, livid, pallid, ashen, and dusky. Other related terms might include hypoxemic, hypoxic, anemic, or ischemic, all of which refer to conditions where there is insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues of the body. In some cases, cyanosis may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition and may require immediate medical attention. Treatment may include oxygen therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on the cause of the cyanosis.