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 The wound becomes red and moist, with pus and eventually yellowish scabs. —

Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023 In addition to finding no vital signs, the attending physician found abrasions on Nicholas’ scalp, nose and mouth, what appeared to be pus in his eyes, blood in his ears, bruises on the neck and chest, stool in his diaper, a deformity of his right arm and crusty material under some of his nails. —

Warren Kulo | Wkulo@al.com, al, 31 Aug. 2023 Once the area is numb, the healthcare provider will make an incision into the abscess to drain the pus. —

Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 25 June 2023 Cystic acne: Similar to nodular acne, cystic acne is also deeper in the skin but is often softer than nodules because they're filled with keratin or pus. —

Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 17 June 2023 Pediatric intracranial infections investigated by the CDC – which include pus pooling in abscesses or empyemas around the brain – are a very rare but serious complication that has been seen from Streptococcus bacteria. —

Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 June 2023 Abscesses are known to be filled with pus and cellulitis causes redness, swelling and pain. —

Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023 Signs of infection include:9 Feeling ill or fatigued in general Fever and chills Itching, drainage, bleeding, or pus from a lump A swollen, tender lump near the nipples Antibiotics are used to treat infections. —

Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 26 May 2023 The virus can also spread through handling of items contaminated with the pus or scabs of lesions, such as bed linens. —

Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin pur-, pus — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of pus was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pus. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

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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)