ABSCESS

abscess

(noun) symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

abscess (plural abscesses)

(pathology) A cavity caused by tissue destruction, usually because of infection, filled with pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue. [First attested in the mid 16th century.]

Verb

abscess (third-person singular simple present abscesses, present participle abscessing, simple past and past participle abscessed)

(intransitive) To form a pus-filled, cavity typically from an infection.

Source: Wiktionary


Ab"scess, n.; pl. Abscesses. Etym: [L. abscessus a going away, gathering of humors, abscess, fr. abscessus, p. p. of absedere to go away; ab, abs + cedere to go off, retire. See Cede.] (Med.)

Definition: A collection of pus or purulent matter in any tissue or organ of the body, the result of a morbid process. Cold abscess, an abscess of slow formation, unattended with the pain and heat characteristic of ordinary abscesses, and lasting for years without exhibiting any tendency towards healing; a chronic abscess.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

30 June 2025

BODILY

(adjective) affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit; “bodily needs”; “a corporal defect”; “corporeal suffering”; “a somatic symptom or somatic illness”


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Coffee Trivia

Plain brewed coffee contains almost no calories, while coffee with dairy products, sugar, and other flavorings is much higher in calories. An espresso has 20 calories. A nonfat latte has 72, while a flavored one has 134.

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