abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio)
plural abscesses ˈab-ˌse-səz How to pronounce abscess (audio)
-ˌsēz;
-sə-səz How to pronounce abscess (audio)
: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed adjective
an abscessed tooth [=an infected tooth that has caused an abscess in the gum]

Examples of abscess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pennington had surgery for the abscess and was released from the ICU a day later. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Among the 18 kids with brain abscesses in 2022, their median age was 12 and all but four were male. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 1 June 2023 Farrell had a rectal abscess that developed into a tumor. Taylyn Washington-Harmon, Health, 16 Dec. 2023 The nodules can be extremely painful and often rupture, forming tunnels under the skin, abscesses that leak blood and pus, and scars. Tamekia Reece, SELF, 29 Nov. 2023 However, while the abscess remained, the former teacher took a chance and ended up joining the show to find love. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 22 Dec. 2023 The wounds are not like abscesses, which are common among injection drug users, but instead resemble blisters that open and expand, leading to a risk of infection and often growing wider instead of deeper. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 June 2023 Hernia repairs, vasectomies, incision of infected abscesses and scrotal explorations, which are done to examine painful testicles, are common examples. Julie Stewart, Men's Health, 21 July 2023 Cummins had abscesses on his face and police called for medical assistance. Austindedios, oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abscess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin abscessus "departure, withdrawal, congestion, abscess," from abscēdere "to go away, withdraw, form an abscess" (from abs-, variant of ab- ab- before c- and t- + cēdere "to go, withdraw, move away") + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at cede

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abscess was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near abscess

Cite this Entry

“Abscess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscess. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

abscess

noun
ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio)
: a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue at some point in the body
abscessed adjective

Medical Definition

abscess

noun
ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio)
plural abscesses ˈab-səs-ˌēz How to pronounce abscess (audio) -ˌses- How to pronounce abscess (audio)
-əz
: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abscess

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