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

Those sacs of air fill with fluid or pus, causing a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and trouble breathing, according to the clinic. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025

This can cause the lung tissue to swell and create a buildup of fluid or pus in the lungs. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025

In severe cases, RSV can lead to pneumonia, which occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become swollen and filled with fluid or pus. —Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025

According to study author Tito Aureliano, these severe lesions are likely connected to the muscle and skin, potentially becoming exposed and oozing blood or pus. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 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)