empyema

noun

em·​py·​ema ˌem-ˌpī-ˈē-mə 

plural empyemata ˌem-ˌpī-ˈē-mə-tə  or empyemas

: the presence of pus in a bodily cavity

empyemic

ˌem-ˌpī-ˈē-mik 

adjective

Examples of empyema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Francis had died of empyema, a condition of the lungs that is often associated with pneumonia. —Claire Healy, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2023

Pediatric intracranial infections investigated by the CDC – which include pus pooling in abscesses or empyemas around the brain – are a very rare but serious complication that has been seen from Streptococcus bacteria. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 June 2023

There were three cases of empyema at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in both December 2017 and December 2018; in December 2019, there were six. —Annabelle Timsit, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2020

The infection had formed an abscess called an empyema, which triggered the seizures. —Sandra G. Boodman, chicagotribune.com, 19 Dec. 2017

Other symptoms of a subdural empyema include headaches and lethargy. —Sandra G. Boodman, chicagotribune.com, 19 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek empyēma, from empyein to suppurate, from em- en- entry 2 + pyon pus — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1605, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

empyema

noun

em·​py·​ema ˌem-ˌpī-ˈē-mə 

plural empyemata -mət-ə  also empyemas

: the presence of pus in a bodily cavity (as the pleural cavity)

called also pyothorax

empyemic

-mik 

adjective