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pustule
noun
pus·tule
ˈpəs-(ˌ)chül
-(ˌ)tyül,
-(ˌ)tül
1
: a small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base
2
: a small often distinctively colored elevation or spot resembling a blister or pimple
Synonyms
Examples of pustule in a Sentence
smallpox's characteristic pustules typically resulted in permanent scarring for survivors of the dreaded disease
Recent Examples on the Web
Larger pimples that contain pus are called pustules.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024
Over the next 11 days, increasingly painful big blisters and pustules appeared all over his body, including the soles of his feet and the palms of his hands—regions that chickenpox rarely affects.
—Byjon Cohen, science.org, 16 Aug. 2024
These include blisters, redness, sensitivity to light, pigment spots, pustules, and skin lesions.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 5 Aug. 2024
Spoiler alert: The monster is definitely real, a lion-bear hybrid covered in disgusting bloody pustules.
—EW.com, 2 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pustule
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin pustula; akin to Lithuanian pusti to blow, Greek physa breath
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of pustule was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near pustule
Cite this Entry
“Pustule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pustule. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
pustule
noun
pus·tule
ˈpəs-chü(ə)l
1
: a small elevation of the skin having an inflamed base and containing pus
2
: a small elevation resembling a pimple or blister
Medical Definition
pustule
noun
pus·tule
ˈpəs-(ˌ)chü(ə)l
-(ˌ)t(y)ü(ə)l
1
: a small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base
2
: a small often distinctively colored elevation or spot resembling a blister or pimple
More from Merriam-Webster on pustule
Nglish: Translation of pustule for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of pustule for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pustule
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