abscess
a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria.
Origin of abscess
1Other words from abscess
- abscessed, adjective
- un·ab·scessed, adjective
Words that may be confused with abscess
- abscess , obsess
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use abscess in a sentence
The huge hit U.K. medical show Embarrassing Bodies has treated armpit abscesses, fungal infections, and much worse.
The inflammation continued several weeks, and at length terminated in the formation of three or four small abscesses.
An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of the Variolae Vaccinae | Edward JennerMy teeth were decaying, not merely outside but inside; I would have abscesses, and most frightful agonies to endure.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society | Upton SinclairSometimes these abscesses become very extensive, and remain for a long time.
Two smaller abscesses formed below the knee, but those gave no great anxiety, not so much as some bed sores on the back and hips.
Report on Surgery to the Santa Clara County Medical Society | Joseph Bradford Cox
Multiple abscesses may be met with, usually the result of pymia.
British Dictionary definitions for abscess
/ (ˈæbsɛs, -sɪs) /
a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria
(intr) to form such a collection of pus
Origin of abscess
1Derived forms of abscess
- abscessed, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for abscess
[ ăb′sĕs′ ]
A localized collection of pus surrounded by infected tissue.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for abscess
[ (ab-ses) ]
An inflamed area (see inflammation) in the body tissues that is filled with pus.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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