abscess

noun ab·scess \ ˈab-ˌses \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of abscess

plural abscesses play \ˈab-ˌse-səz, -ˌsēz; -sə-səz\

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

—

abscessed

play \-ˌsest\ adjective

- an abscessed tooth [=an infected tooth that has caused an abscess in the gum]

See abscess defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of abscess from the Web

An autopsy report showed acute bronchitis, early bronchopneumonia, abscesses on her feet and ulcers on her skin.

— The Republic | azcentral.com, "Quacy Smith: 'I'll never forget standing at the head of that precious child's casket'," 31 Mar. 2018
Here are a variety of common causes for superficial masses in pets: ▪ Wounds, abscesses and allergic reactions: Most typically the result of bites, stings or allergic skin disease.

— patty khuly, miamiherald, "Vet should look at most pets’ lumps, but don’t be alarmed | Miami Herald," 29 Mar. 2018
But a few days later, Whitcomb noticed an abscess on his leg and took him to a veterinarian for treatment.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "The sad tale of Hawthorne the squirrel, a Seattle police sergeant and good intentions gone wrong," 2 Mar. 2018
The officer noticed Olson had a large abscess on the top portion of his right hand near his thumb and index finger, which in his experience, was an indication of possible IV drug usage, the complaint said.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Man accused of driving with 1-year-old son while having 'all types of drugs in him'," 1 Mar. 2018
Children with cavities or abscesses get letters to help their parents get in touch with their own dentists.

— janet mcconnaughey, The Seattle Times, "Entertaining toothy lessons, checkups for underserved kids," 18 Feb. 2018
While waiting for results of a culture taken from the abscess, Marcie’s care team started her on antibiotics and pain medication.

— dawn filos, Philly.com, "Medical Mystery: Why was German shepherd limping?," 29 Jan. 2018
Worth mentioning ▪ Small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was back in the starting lineup after missing Monday’s home victory over the Sacramento Kings with an abscess in bis right arm.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "NBA| Charlotte Hornets - New Orleans Pelicans recap 01.24.18 | Charlotte Observer," 24 Jan. 2018
There, the shelter veterinarian initially determined Zar appeared to have bite wounds and an abscess to the right side of his head.

— rené a. guzman, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio rescue dog inspires with one eye and a semicolon face," 9 Jan. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of 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

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First Known Use: 1574

in the meaning defined above

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analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

ABSCESS Defined for Kids

abscess

noun ab·scess \ ˈab-ˌses \

Definition of abscess for Students

: a collection of pus with swollen and red tissue around it

—

abscessed

\-ˌsest\ adjective

Medical Dictionary

abscess

noun ab·scess \ ˈab-ˌses \

medical Definition of abscess

plural abscesses play \ˈab-səs-ˌēz, -ˌses-, -əz\

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

—

abscessed

play \-ˌsest\ adjective

Learn More about abscess

See words that rhyme with abscess Spanish Central: Translation of abscess Nglish: Translation of abscess for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of abscess for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abscess

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abscess

Definition of abscess

abscessed

Recent Examples of abscess from the Web

Origin and Etymology of abscess

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ABSCESS Defined for Kids

abscess

Definition of abscess for Students

abscessed

Medical Dictionary

abscess

medical Definition of abscess

abscessed

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abscess

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abscessed

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Origin and Etymology of abscess

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abscess

Definition of abscess for Students

abscessed

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abscess

medical Definition of abscess

abscessed

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