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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Surgeons removed a life-threatening abscess from Sinwar’s brain. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024 For some, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as abscesses, fistulas, urinary problems, blockages, or bleeding. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 And then, of course, there are tons of problems that can happen in your mouth that can puff up your face, Dr. Lee adds, like tooth abscesses and untreated gum disease. Katie Camero, SELF, 23 Oct. 2024 Other symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa include blackheads and, in severe cases, abscesses and tunnels underneath the skin (known as fistulas or sinus tracts). Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abscess 

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 7 Dec. 2024.

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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