abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

plural abscesses ˈab-ˌse-səz 

-ˌsēz;

-sə-səz 

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

abscessed

ˈab-ˌsest 

adjective

an abscessed tooth [=an infected tooth that has caused an abscess in the gum]

Examples of abscess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Surgeons removed a life-threatening abscess from Sinwar’s brain. —David Remnick, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

For some, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as abscesses, fistulas, urinary problems, blockages, or bleeding. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

And then, of course, there are tons of problems that can happen in your mouth that can puff up your face, Dr. Lee adds, like tooth abscesses and untreated gum disease. —Katie Camero, SELF, 23 Oct. 2024

Other symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa include blackheads and, in severe cases, abscesses and tunnels underneath the skin (known as fistulas or sinus tracts). —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin abscessus "departure, withdrawal, congestion, abscess," from abscēdere "to go away, withdraw, form an abscess" (from abs-, variant of ab- ab- before c- and t- + cēdere "to go, withdraw, move away") + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at cede

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

: a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue at some point in the body

abscessed

-ˌsest 

adjective

Medical Definition

abscess

noun

ab·​scess ˈab-ˌses 

plural abscesses ˈab-səs-ˌēz  -ˌses- 

-əz

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

abscessed

-ˌsest 

adjective