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 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 As a result, abscesses, or granulomas — clumps of immune cells — can form throughout the body and interfere with organ function. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 10 Oct. 2023 An abscess can be treated with antibiotics or surgically removed. Women's Health, 26 June 2023 There have not been any fatalities from these pediatric brain abscesses in Nevada. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 30 Apr. 2023 Penicillin antibiotics, which kill bacteria by preventing them from building a cell wall, are used to treat various illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, skin infections and dental abscesses. Andrew Chapman, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2023 Police did not elaborate on Cummins’ health, but bacteria in abscesses can be contagious. Austindedios, oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2023 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, abscesses and cellulitis are infections that occur when bacteria infects the skin, and possibly the deep tissue beneath the skin. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023 See More

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 1 Dec. 2023.

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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