abscess

American  

[ab-ses] / ˈæb sɛs /

noun

Pathology.

1. 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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abscess British  

/ ˈæbsɛs, -sɪs /

noun

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

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verb

1. (intr) to form such a collection of pus

abscess Scientific  

/ ăb′sĕs′ /

1. A localized collection of pus surrounded by infected tissue.

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abscess Cultural  

1. An inflamed area (see inflammation) in the body tissues that is filled with pus.

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Other Word Forms

• abscessed adjective
• unabscessed adjective

Etymology

Origin of abscess

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin abscessus “departure,” noun use of past participle of abscēdere “to go away, separate off, form an abscess,” from abs- abs- + cēdere “to go, yield” ( cede )

Example Sentences

Alas, we’ll never know what Leni might have achieved as talking pictures staked their claim, for a tooth abscess went septic and killed him at age 44 in 1929.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

After being removed from the NL Division Series roster with an abscess on his backside that became infected, former closer Tanner Scott said he feels healthy enough to pitch in the World Series.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

You didn’t die of a tooth abscess that turned into sepsis.

From Slate • Nov. 21, 2024

"She had a liver problem, an abscess that we never would have known was there," says Hannah.

From BBC • May 25, 2024

I replace the giraffe’s neck poultice, cold-soak a camel for a suspected hoof abscess, and survive my first cat procedure—treating Rex for an ingrown claw while Clive strokes his head.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• ulcer