pus

\ ˈpəs

Definition of pus

: 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 That night, Horn once again used a safety pin to drain the pus from his deteriorating thumbs. — Adventure, "The untold story of the boldest polar expedition of modern times," 23 Dec. 2020 Her daughter called 911 after noticing angry, red skin discoloration and pus – both signs of an infection. — Matthew Steinhauser, The Conversation, "Why do older people heal more slowly?," 24 Nov. 2020 Bacteria, viruses and fungi can attack the respiratory tract, causing the alveoli to fill with fluid or pus. — Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, "Fact check: No evidence mask wearers are arriving in ICUs with pneumonia," 12 Nov. 2020 Pustules resemble whiteheads, and are filled with pus as a result of inflammation caused by bacteria. — Julie Ricevuto, Allure, "The Science of Beauty: A Complete Guide for Smaller-Looking Pores," 29 Oct. 2020 And for more on smallpox pus, be sure to listen to this week’s episode! — Popsci Staff, Popular Science, "Pig sex and celery have a surprising connection," 30 Sep. 2020 Nicholas' ileum, the final section of his small intestine, is full of pus and ulcers. — Mark Johnson And Kathleen Gallagher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "One in a billion: Researchers seek clues in Nicholas' DNA -- and find more than they expected.," 21 Dec. 2010 Variolation was often done using pus from an infected person’s pox that doctors inserted into a cut. — Popular Science, "Wearing a mask could protect you from COVID-19 in more ways than you think," 10 Sep. 2020 Though innocent enough, hair bumps can be itchy, tender when swollen, and even filled with pus. — Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, "6 Causes for Vaginal Bumps You Should Know About," 25 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Pus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pus. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for pus

pus

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pus

medical : a thick, yellowish substance that is produced when a part of the body or a wound becomes infected

See the full definition for pus in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pus

noun

\ ˈpəs

Kids Definition of pus

: a thick yellowish substance that is produced when a part of the body or a wound becomes infected

pus

noun

\ ˈpəs

Medical Definition of pus

: 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)

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