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

Example Sentences

In 2023, the singer revealed that Iron Maiden had helped him pay medical bills for treatment of a lung abscess, saying that he would be “forever grateful for that.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said he was taking medication for abscesses in his wisdom teeth when he woke up with "a really strange feeling" in his chest.

From BBC

"She had a liver problem, an abscess that we never would have known was there," says Hannah.

From BBC

Perianal fistulae, abnormal connections between the anal canal and perianal skin, are a common complication of Crohn's disease that often result in painful abscesses and impact patients' quality of life.

From Science Daily

It is difficult to diagnose melioidosis as symptoms vary from localised abscess or pneumonia to acute septicaemia, or may present as a chronic infection.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ulcer