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

Staph skin infections can also lead to abscesses, which are basically warm little pockets of pus that lie underneath the skin. —Korin Miller, SELF, 11 June 2025

But the dog is dripping blood and oozing pus, and his testicles are swollen like a balloon. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025

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

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)