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

Treating strep throat with antibiotics greatly reduces the risk of developing serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, ear infection, and abscesses (sacs of pus) near the tonsils.73 Cold: Colds can also lead to complications, such as sinus infection, pneumonia, or bronchitis. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Erica has abscesses near her liver, and since the resident surgeon can’t get to the hospital because of some bad storms, Mary steps in to perform the operation. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 26 Jan. 2025

In some cases, surgeries may be necessary to reduce acute HS pain caused by these lesions and abscesses. —Heidi Cope, Health, 24 Dec. 2024

Incision and Drainage Incision and drainage is a minor surgical procedure for treating recurrent or severe abscesses. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Dec. 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

Rhymes for abscess

• abbess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess
• express

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