abscess

[ ab-ses ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria.

abscess

/ ˈæbsɛs; -sɪs /

noun

1. a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria

verb

1. intr to form such a collection of pus

abscess

/ ăb′sĕs′ /

1. A localized collection of pus surrounded by infected tissue.

abscess

1. An inflamed area ( see inflammation ) in the body tissues that is filled with pus.

Derived Forms

• ˈabscessed, adjective

Other Words From

• abscessed adjective
• un·abscessed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abscess¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin abscessus “departure,” noun use of past participle of abscēdere “to go away, separate off, form an abscess,” from abs- abs- + cēdere “to go, yield” ( cede )

Word History and Origins

Origin of abscess¹

C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away

Related Words

• ulcer