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abscess

noun
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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) \

Definition of abscess

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
Other Words from abscess Example Sentences Learn More About abscess

Other Words from abscess

abscessed \ ˈab-​ˌsest How to pronounce abscess (audio) \ 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 Watching Harriet searching for a euphemistic way to identify the physical affliction (an anal abscess) that is holding up POTUS’s public appearances is heaven on steroids. — Marilyn Stasio, Variety, 28 Apr. 2022 For really painful cysts, a dermatologist may recommend injecting the abscess with a steroid to rapidly decrease the pain and swelling. — Sara Gaynes Levy, SELF, 17 Feb. 2022 The facilities veterinarians also treated a deep abscess found on one of Margoi's flippers and a mass found on a different flipper. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, 19 Apr. 2022 The procedure’s eight-week recovery period was slightly elongated when an abscess appeared at the surgical site and needed to be drained. — Nathan Ruiz, baltimoresun.com, 14 Mar. 2022 Another concern is that the infection will result in pocket of pus called an abscess. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022 Sometimes a procedure to drain an abscess of pus and fluid is performed prior to surgery. — Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 29 Nov. 2021 Untreated for the infection, the samples taken from an abscess on the mouse had yielded billions of superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. — Max G. Levy, Wired, 30 Nov. 2021 An Anglo Eastern chief officer with a severe tooth abscess couldn’t get off his vessel for treatment. — Jack Wittels, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2021 See More

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.

First Known Use of abscess

1574, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for 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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Time Traveler for abscess

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The first known use of abscess was in 1574

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Dictionary Entries Near abscess

Absaroka Range

abscess

abscessroot

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Statistics for abscess

Last Updated

5 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Abscess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscess. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for abscess

abscess

noun
ab·​scess | \ ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio) \

Kids Definition of abscess

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

Other Words from abscess

abscessed \ -​ˌsest \ adjective

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 \

Medical Definition of abscess

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

Other Words from abscess

abscessed \ -​ˌsest How to pronounce abscess (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on 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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