abscess

[ ab-ses ]

/ ˈæb sɛs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR abscess ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Pathology.

a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria.

RELATED WORDS

ulcer, carbuncle, boil, pustule

Nearby words

abs., abs. re., absalom, absaroka range, abscam, abscess, abscind, abscise, abscisic acid, abscissa, abscission

Origin of abscess

1535–45; < Latin abscessus a going away, abscess, equivalent to absced-, variant stem of abscēdere to go away, separate off, form an abscess (abs- abs- + cēdere; see cede) + -tus suffix of v. action, with -dt- > -ss-

Related forms

ab·scessed, adjectiveun·ab·scessed, adjective

Can be confused

abscess obsess

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for abscess

When he finally goes to see a dentist, he learns that he has an abscess: the tooth is rotten, threatening to overtake his jaw.
‘Mad Men’ Returns: A Recap of Season Five|Jace Lacob|April 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It had festered like an abscess and the abscess had burst, splashing every one.
The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume VIII.|Guy de Maupassant
Abscess of the kidney is induced by the presence of injecting material gaining admission.
Sporting Dogs|Frank Townend Barton
In all cases the extraction of the carious tooth is necessary before the abscess will cease discharging and the sinus heal.
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition.|Alexander Miles

Abscess in the spleen occasionally occurs, usually in association with infective endocarditis or with general pyaemia.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 2|Various
When the abscess is of a dangerous nature, lose no time in consulting a medical practitioner.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for abscess

abscess

/ (ˈæbsɛs, -sɪs) /

noun

a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria

verb

(intr) to form such a collection of pus

Derived Forms

abscessed, adjective

Word Origin for abscess

C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012