abscess

play

noun ab·scess \ˈab-ˌses\

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]

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Recent Examples of abscess from the Web

He was hospitalized twice, once for six days for meningitis and another time for 32 days because of an abscess at the injection site on his back.

— ann zaniewski, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan fungal meningitis victims say sentence for pharmacy co-owner not enough", 27 June 2017
Always Dreaming and Cloud Computing both skipped the 149th running of the Belmont, and news broke Wednesday that would-be favorite Classic Empire could not make the race due to a hoof abscess.

— tim balk, SI.com, "Tapwrit's final finish makes up for Triple Crown letdown at Belmont", 11 June 2017
Both those horses did not run the Belmont, and the third leg of the Triple Crown suffered another blow when expected favorite Classic Empire was pulled out with an abscess in his hoof.

— usa today sports, USA TODAY, "Tapwrit rallies to win 149th running of Belmont Stakes", 10 June 2017
Classic Empire had been the early-line favorite, but the colt was pulled from the race by his owners shortly before the post-position draw Wednesday because of a hoof abscess.

— dennis manoloff, cleveland.com, "Belmont Stakes 2017: Final results of Triple Crown race -- Tapwrit upsets Irish War Cry", 10 June 2017
The Belmont already lost expected favorite Classic Empire on Wednesday because of an abscess in his right front hoof.

— beth harris, The Denver Post, "Mystery surrounding Japanese horse Epicharis deepens before Belmont", 9 June 2017
The Belmont already lost expected favorite Classic Empire on Wednesday because of an abscess in his right front hoof.

— beth harris, The Seattle Times, "Japanese horse Epicharis treated for lameness before Belmont", 8 June 2017
Classic Empire was declared out Wednesday morning with a hoof abscess.

— dick jerardi, Philly.com, "Why so few run all the Triple Crown races | Dick Jerardi", 7 June 2017
Bloodhorse.com reported that an abscess was discovered on Classic Empire's right foot this morning, according to trainer Mark Casse.

— the baltimore sun, baltimoresun.com, "Likely favorite Classic Empire to miss Belmont with foot injury", 7 June 2017

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