abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

plural abscesses ˈab-ˌse-səz 

-ˌsēz;

-sə-səz 

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

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

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

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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

Kids Definition

abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

: a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue at some point in the body

abscessed

-ˌsest 

adjective

Medical Definition

abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

plural abscesses ˈab-səs-ˌēz  -ˌses- 

-əz

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

abscessed

-ˌsest 

adjective