pyorrhea

or py·or·rhoe·a

[ pahy-uh-ree-uh ]

noun

1. Pathology. a discharge of pus.
2. Also called pyorrhea al·ve·o·laris [al-vee-, uh, -, lar, -is], Dentistry. a chronic form of periodontitis occurring in various degrees of severity, characterized in its severe forms by the formation of pus in the pockets between the roots of the teeth and their surrounding tissues, and frequently accompanied by the loosening and subsequent loss of the teeth.

Other Words From

• pyor·rheal pyor·rheic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyorrhea¹

First recorded in 1785–90; from New Latin; pyo-, -rrhea