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.
Cerebellar abscesses always ended in death. Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Once the abscess of pus had been removed without a trace, the doctor carved out the flesh around the bottle using a knife, spread the wound open, and pulled the bottle out. Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025 Severe cases can lead to abscesses, tears in the colon and even emergency surgery. New Atlas, 1 July 2025 Untreated tooth decay and cavities can lead to dental abscesses, or infections that can lead to serious problems requiring emergency room visits. Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abscess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscess. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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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