Word of the Day

: August 3, 2010

fester

verb FESS-ter

What It Means

1 : to generate pus

2 : putrefy, rot

3 a : to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness : rankle

b : to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration

fester in Context

The marriage counselor advised dealing with problems immediately instead of allowing them to fester.

Did You Know?

"Fester" first entered English as a noun in the early 14th century. It was originally used as we now use the word "fistula," for an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ and permitting passage of fluids or secretions. It later came to refer to a sore that discharges pus. The connection between "fester" and "fistula" is no accident -- both descend from Latin "fistula," which has the same meaning as the English word but can also mean "pipe" or "tube" or "a kind of ulcer." "Fester" made the trip from Latin to English by way of Anglo-French. By the end of the 14th century, it was also being used as a verb meaning "to generate pus," a use that has since developed extended senses implying a worsening state.