pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response typically associated with an infection and is composed of exudate chiefly containing dead white blood cells (such as neutrophils), tissue debris, and pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria)

Examples of pus in a Sentence

Pus oozed from the cat's injured ear.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

At their best, wound infections can result in discomfort, red, angry skin, and pus (ew!). —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 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

These infections are caused by tooth abscess—an accumulation of a pocket of pus from tooth decay. —Francisco J. Rivera Rosario, Health, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin pur-, pus — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pus

• bus
• buss
• cuss
• fuss
• glace
• huss
• plus
• russ
• sus
• suss
• thus
• truss

Kids Definition

pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: thick cloudy usually yellowish white fluid matter formed at a place of inflammation and infection (as an abscess) and containing white blood cells, tissue debris, and germs

Medical Definition

pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response typically associated with an infection and is composed of exudate chiefly containing dead white blood cells (as neutrophils), tissue debris, and pathogenic microorganisms (as bacteria)