pustule

[ puhs-chool ]

noun

1. Pathology. a small elevation of the skin containing pus.
2. any pimplelike or blisterlike swelling or elevation.

pustule

/ ˈpʌstjʊlə; ˈpʌstjuːl /

noun

1. a small inflamed elevated area of skin containing pus
2. any small distinct spot resembling a pimple or blister

pustule

/ pŭs′cho̅o̅l /

1. A small inflamed swelling of the skin that is filled with pus.

Derived Forms

• pustular, adjective

Other Words From

• pustuled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pustule¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin pūstula, pūsula a pimple, blister; akin to Greek phȳsaléos inflated

Word History and Origins

Origin of pustule¹

C14: from Latin pustula a blister, variant of pūsula; compare Greek phusallis bladder, phusa bellows

Example Sentences

In the case of the dog, the animal developed pustules about 12 days after its owners reported symptoms.

From Science News

The group made it to the Americas just in time to use one final remaining pustule—and to replenish their chain of children by renting some from local families.

From Popular-Science

Two boys would be infected with cowpox, and just before their pustules healed over, their pus would be used to inoculate another pair, and so on.

From Popular-Science

Although smallpox was a widespread and frightening disease, many resisted variolation, which meant inserting material from a smallpox sufferer’s pustules into a healthy person’s skin.

From Time

Later, rashes develop on the face and body which turn into lesions, pustules, and eventually scabs.

From Popular-Science

The pustule on the fore finger shews the disease in an earlier stage.

From Project Gutenberg

Little white specks appear upon the wool, and are soon followed by a small pustule at the root.

From Project Gutenberg

As well might you account for the smallpox by saying that the first pustule was the cause of the disease.

From Project Gutenberg

Pustule, pus′tūl, n. a small pimple containing pus: anything like a pustule, on plants or animals: a small blister.

From Project Gutenberg

It attacked the horse and cow as well as the sheep, and human beings died of it when they developed malignant pustule.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abscess
• blister
• bruise
• bump
• contusion
• inflammation
• injury
• nodule
• sore
• tumor
• welt