pyorrhea

noun

py·​or·​rhea ˌpī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce pyorrhea (audio)
: purulent inflammation of the sockets of the teeth leading usually to loosening of the teeth

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyorrhea was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near pyorrhea

Cite this Entry

“Pyorrhea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyorrhea. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pyorrhea

noun
py·​or·​rhea ˌpī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce pyorrhea (audio)
: an inflammation with pus of the sockets of the teeth leading usually to loosening of the teeth

Medical Definition

pyorrhea

noun
py·​or·​rhea
variants or chiefly British pyorrhoea
1
: a discharge of pus
2
: an advanced form of chronic periodontitis marked especially by the discharge of pus from the alveoli

called also Riggs' disease

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