Main Entry: ab·scess

Pronunciation: \ˈab-ˌses\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ab·scess·es \ˈab-ˌse-səz, -ˌsēz; -sə-səz\

Etymology: Latin abscessus, literally, act of going away, from abscedere to go away, from abs-, ab- + cedere to go

Date: 1615

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

— ab·scessed \-ˌsest\ adjective