impostume

/ ɪmˈpɒsθuːm; ɪmˈpɒstjuːm /

noun

1. an archaic word for abscess

Word History and Origins

Origin of impostume¹

C15: from Old French empostume, from Late Latin apostēma, from Greek, literally: separation (of pus), from aphistanai to remove, from histanai to stand

Example Sentences

An Abcess or Impostume ought to be open'd in its most mature part, and in the Bias of the Humours, endeavouring to preserve the Fibres of the Muscles from being cut, unless there be an absolute necessity, avoiding also the great Vessels, Tendons, and Nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

They differ in this particular, that all Tumours are not Impostumes nor Abcesses; but there is no Impostume nor Abcess that is not a Tumour: As for Example, Wens and Ganglions are Tumours, yet are not Abcesses nor Impostumes; whereas these last are always Tumours in regard that they cause Bunches and Elevations.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, but it is done imperfectly, in regard that a Tumour or Impostume cannot be said to be absolutely cur'd, as long as there remains any thing of the Original Malady, as it happens in the Scirrhus, where the Matter is harden'd by an imperfect dissolving of it, or when the Impostume degenerates into a greater and more dangerous Distemper, as it appears in the Esthiomenus or Gangrene that succeeds it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Degenerate Cancer is that which succeeds an obstinate and ill-dress'd Tumour or Impostume, and which becomes an Ulcerated Cancer, without assuming the Nature of a blind or occult one.

From Project Gutenberg

What difference is there between a Tumour and an Impostume or Abcess?

From Project Gutenberg