pyorrhea

noun

py·​or·​rhea ˌpī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

: purulent inflammation of the sockets of the teeth leading usually to loosening of the teeth

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pyorrhea

noun

py·​or·​rhea ˌpī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

: an inflammation with pus of the sockets of the teeth leading usually to loosening of the teeth

Medical Definition

pyorrhea

noun

py·​or·​rhea

variants or chiefly British pyorrhoea

ˌpī-ə-ˈrē-ə 

1

: a discharge of pus

2

: an advanced form of chronic periodontitis marked especially by the discharge of pus from the alveoli

called also Riggs' disease