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

This causes bacteria to spread into the appendix wall, leading to infection and the formation of abscesses (small pockets of pus). —Brandi Jones, Health, 17 May 2025

Val Kilmer tributes: Celebrities remember 'icon' 'Top Gun' actor Lung abscesses occur when pockets of pus form inside or around the lung. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

Per police, the pup has a large abscess or tumor on the left side of his ribs. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Local infection: About 35% of ear piercings become infected, leading to redness, pain, swelling, and abscesses (a collection of pus under the skin). —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for abscess

• abbess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess
• express

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