abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

plural abscesses ˈab-ˌse-səz 

-ˌsēz;

-sə-səz 

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

abscessed

ˈab-ˌsest 

adjective

an abscessed tooth [=an infected tooth that has caused an abscess in the gum]

Examples of abscess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Severe cases can lead to abscesses, tears in the colon and even emergency surgery. —New Atlas, 1 July 2025

Untreated tooth decay and cavities can lead to dental abscesses, or infections that can lead to serious problems requiring emergency room visits. —Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025

Treatment involves appendectomy and may include drainage of abscesses and extensive antibiotic therapy to manage infection and prevent further complications.9 Chronic Appendicitis Chronic appendicitis is long-term, low-grade inflammation of the appendix. —Brandi Jones, Health, 17 May 2025

This abscess is typically a complication of tonsillitis and usually forms adjacent to the tonsils. —Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin abscessus "departure, withdrawal, congestion, abscess," from abscēdere "to go away, withdraw, form an abscess" (from abs-, variant of ab- ab- before c- and t- + cēdere "to go, withdraw, move away") + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at cede

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for abscess

• abbess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess
• express

Kids Definition

abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

: a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue at some point in the body

abscessed

-ˌsest 

adjective

Medical Definition

abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

plural abscesses ˈab-səs-ˌēz  -ˌses- 

-əz

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

abscessed

-ˌsest 

adjective