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

Laser hair removal: Removing hair follicles in affected areas may help decrease the occurrence of bumps and abscesses. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Dec. 2024

My doctor prescribed steroids, which helped keep my pain in check but didn’t reduce the size of the abscesses. —Julia Ries, SELF, 16 Dec. 2024

Uncontrolled tooth decay can lead to infections, loss of teeth and painful abscesses. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Surgeons removed a life-threatening abscess from Sinwar’s brain. —David Remnick, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 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

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