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

• boil
• fester
• hickey
• papule
• pimple
• pock
• whelk
• zit [slang]

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

Folliculitis can, in turn, lead to red pimples and pustules—sort of like scalp acne. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Oct. 2024

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

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

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