: a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response typically associated with an infection and is composed of exudate chiefly containing dead white blood cells (such as neutrophils), tissue debris, and pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria)

Examples of pus in a Sentence

Pus oozed from the cat's injured ear.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These hydrocolloid stickers draw out pus and oil from pesky pimples. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 7 Oct. 2024 Larger pimples that contain pus are called pustules. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024 In pneumonia, one or both lungs are infected and may be filled with pus or fluid.19 Pleurisy occurs when the two thin layers of tissues that separate the lungs from the chest walls are inflamed, causing chest pain.20 Pneumonia can also cause stabbing or sharp pain on any side of the chest. Joy Emeh, Health, 19 Sep. 2024 She was started on antibiotics and rushed to the operating room, where surgeons scraped out pus and necrotic tissue—the consequence of a raging MRSA infection. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pus 

Word History

Etymology

Latin pur-, pus — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pus was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pus

Cite this Entry

“Pus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pus. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pus

noun
: thick cloudy usually yellowish white fluid matter formed at a place of inflammation and infection (as an abscess) and containing white blood cells, tissue debris, and germs

Medical Definition

pus

noun
: a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response typically associated with an infection and is composed of exudate chiefly containing dead white blood cells (as neutrophils), tissue debris, and pathogenic microorganisms (as bacteria)

More from Merriam-Webster on pus

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