abscess

noun

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ab·scess | \ ˈab-ˌses

plural abscesses\ ˈab-ˌse-səz

, -ˌsēz ; -sə-səz

Definition of abscess

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

Other Words from abscess Example Sentences Learn More About abscess

Other Words from abscess

abscessed \ ˈab-ˌsest

\ 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 But there are some rare cases where surgery might be needed to drain an abscess or deal with any other complications, according to Dr. Voigt. — Gabi Thorne, Allure, 25 Apr. 2022 When a clinic in Egypt failed to help his worsening symptoms, Patterson was flown to Germany, where doctors discovered a grapefruit-size abdominal abscess filled with Acinetobacter baumannii, a virulent bacterium resistant to nearly all antibiotics. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 8 July 2022 Lexington’s blindness had long been considered congenital because his sire had also gone blind, but close study demonstrated that an abscess in his skull robbed him of his vision. — Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 June 2022 Watching Harriet searching for a euphemistic way to identify the physical affliction (an anal abscess) that is holding up POTUS’s public appearances is heaven on steroids. — Marilyn Stasio, Variety, 28 Apr. 2022 For really painful cysts, a dermatologist may recommend injecting the abscess with a steroid to rapidly decrease the pain and swelling. — Sara Gaynes Levy, SELF, 17 Feb. 2022 The facilities veterinarians also treated a deep abscess found on one of Margoi's flippers and a mass found on a different flipper. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, 19 Apr. 2022 The procedure’s eight-week recovery period was slightly elongated when an abscess appeared at the surgical site and needed to be drained. — Nathan Ruiz, baltimoresun.com, 14 Mar. 2022 Another concern is that the infection will result in pocket of pus called an abscess. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abscess.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for abscess

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