: 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
She was started on antibiotics and rushed to the operating room, where surgeons scraped out pus and necrotic tissue—the consequence of a raging MRSA infection.
—
Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
The lumps, which drain pus, the cysts and substantial scarring, all part of this condition that is an ongoing one, can often be severe.
—Essence, 31 July 2024
Bacterial infections acquired at birth Symptoms of bacterial infections from bacteria such as chlamydia, gonorrhea (and less commonly, herpes) include swelling of the eyelid, drainage of pus, and red eyes.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 30 July 2024
Fungal: Red or light-colored, scaly patches of skin, along with small blister-like sores filled with fluid or pus, are often present in a fungal skin infection.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pus 
Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024
The lumps, which drain pus, the cysts and substantial scarring, all part of this condition that is an ongoing one, can often be severe.
—Essence, 31 July 2024
Bacterial infections acquired at birth Symptoms of bacterial infections from bacteria such as chlamydia, gonorrhea (and less commonly, herpes) include swelling of the eyelid, drainage of pus, and red eyes.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 30 July 2024
Fungal: Red or light-colored, scaly patches of skin, along with small blister-like sores filled with fluid or pus, are often present in a fungal skin infection.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for pus
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.
Dictionary Entries Near pus
Cite this Entry
“Pus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pus. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pus
noun
: 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
: 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share