pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: 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

In pneumonia, the lung sacs where air is exchanged, called alveoli, become inflamed and filled with pus and fluid. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Throat redness, with swollen tonsils and white patches or streaks of pus Petechiae (small red spots) on the roof of the mouth Swollen, tender lymph nodes (glands) in the front of the neck What Causes Scarlet Fever? Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A strep bacteria, causes scarlet fever. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 15 Feb. 2025

Symptoms include pus, crusty discharge, light sensitivity, redness, severe pain, and tearing.12 A stye is a painful red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes. —Laura Schober, Health, 29 Jan. 2025

Plus, pus was now regularly leaking out of the bumps. —Julia Ries, SELF, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin pur-, pus — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pus

• bus
• buss
• cuss
• fuss
• glace
• huss
• plus
• russ
• sus
• suss
• thus
• truss

Kids Definition

pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: 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

ˈpəs 

: 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)