abscess
[ ab-ses ]
/ ˈæb sɛs /
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noun Pathology.
a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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OTHER WORDS FROM abscess
abscessed, adjectiveun·ab·scessed, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH abscess
abscess , obsessWords nearby abscess
abs, Absalom, Absaroka Range, ABS brake, Abscam, abscess, abscind, abscise, abscisic acid, abscissa, abscission
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for abscess
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 of abscess
abscessed, adjectiveWord 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
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Medical definitions for abscess
abscess
[ ăb′sĕs′ ]
n.
A collection of pus formed by tissue destruction in an inflamed area of a localized infection.
A cavity that is formed by liquefactive necrosis within solid tissue.
v.
To form an abscess.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for abscess
abscess
[ ăb′sĕs′ ]
A localized collection of pus surrounded by infected tissue.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for abscess
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.