Abscess

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈæbËŒsÉ›s/, /ˈæbËŒsɪs/

Origin

From Latin abscessus ("a going away; gathering of humors, abscess"), from abscēdō ("go away, depart"), from abs ("away from") + cēdō ("go"). See cede.

Full definition of abscess

Noun

1. A cavity caused by tissue destruction, usually because of infection, filled with pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue. First attested in the mid 16^th century.

Derived terms

• cold abscess

Related terms

• boil
• carbuncle
• pustule

Verb

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