abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio)
plural abscesses ˈab-ˌse-səz How to pronounce abscess (audio)
-ˌsēz;
-sə-səz How to pronounce abscess (audio)
: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed 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 This is particularly true if the patient develops complications such as an abscess or perforation in the colon. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 Heart attacks are missed only 1.5% of the time, while spinal abscesses are misdiagnosed in 62% of cases. Roman Smagulov, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Most cavity pain is from tooth decay, but fractures, abscesses, and teeth grinding can also lead to symptoms. Mark Gurarie, Health, 9 Oct. 2024 These include lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung infections like pneumonia and pulmonary abscess. James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abscess 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abscess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of abscess was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near abscess

Cite this Entry

“Abscess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscess. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

abscess

noun
ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio)
: a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue at some point in the body
abscessed adjective

Medical Definition

abscess

noun
ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses How to pronounce abscess (audio)
plural abscesses ˈab-səs-ˌēz How to pronounce abscess (audio) -ˌses- How to pronounce abscess (audio)
-əz
: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abscess

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