pyorrhea

or py·or·rhoe·a

[pahy-uh-ree-uh]

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.

Origin of pyorrhea

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

Related formspy·or·rhe·al, py·or·rhe·ic, adjective

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

British Dictionary definitions for pyorrhoea

pyorrhoea

esp US pyorrhea

noun

inflammation of the gums characterized by the discharge of pus and loosening of the teeth; periodontal disease

Derived Formspyorrhoeal, pyorrhoeic, esp US pyorrheal or pyorrheic, adjective

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

Medicine definitions for pyorrhoea

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.