What term describes a discolored spot on the skin that is not elevated above the surface?

The term that describes a discolored spot on the skin that is not elevated above the surface is "macule." Macules are flat, distinct, colored areas of skin, typically smaller than 1 centimeter in diameter. They can vary in color — from brown to red to white — but they remain at the same level as the surrounding skin. This flat characteristic is what differentiates macules from other skin lesions that may be raised or textured.

Hyperemia refers to an increase in blood flow to a certain area of the body, which can cause redness but does not describe a static, discolored spot. A pustule, on the other hand, is a raised, pus-filled lesion, indicating that it is elevated above the skin surface and thus does not fit the definition of a macule. Lastly, a scale is a flake or dry patch of skin that results from excessive shedding of the outer layer, often giving it a raised appearance as well. Collectively, these distinctions clarify why "macule" is the proper term to describe a flat discoloration on the skin.