pyorrhea

or py·or·rhoe·a

[ pahy-uh-ree-uh ]

/ ˌpaɪ əˈri ə /

noun

Pathology. a discharge of pus.

Also called pyorrhe·a al·ve·o·lar·is

[al-vee-uh-lar-is] /ælˌvi əˈlær ɪs/, Riggs' disease. Dentistry. a chronic form of periodontitis occurring in various degrees of severity, characterized in its severe forms by the formation of pus in the pockets between the roots of the teeth and their surrounding tissues, and frequently accompanied by the loosening and subsequent loss of the teeth.

Nearby words

pyopneumothorax, pyopoiesis, pyopoietic, pyoptysis, pyopyelectasis, pyorrhea, pyorrhoea, pyosalpingitis, pyosalpingo-oophoritis, pyosalpinx, pyosis

Origin of pyorrhea

From New Latin, dating back to 1805–15; see origin at pyo-, -rhea

Related forms

py·or·rhe·al, py·or·rhe·ic, adjective

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

Examples from the Web for pyorrhea

He cured the pyorrhea alveolaris, and cured the catarrh, too, at the same time.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 358, November 11, 1882|Various
Doctor Granville, at the outside, will cure his pyorrhea with emetine for no more than a paltry fifty dollars.
Michael, Brother of Jerry|Jack London

Medicine definitions for pyorrhea

pyorrhea

[ pī′ə-rē′ə ]

n.

Purulent inflammation of the gums and tooth sockets, often leading to loosening of the teeth.

A discharge of pus.