MEANING
A localized pocket of pus within tissue, usually associated with infection.
Use it for
A hidden pocket of infection; swelling with a concealed center; an examination exposing internal damageGive infection a bounded interior rather than describing generalized rot.
Words that belong together
- dental abscess
- deep abscess
- drain an abscess
On the page
The abscess lay beneath skin that looked almost normal.
A swollen jaw concealed an abscess around the tooth.
They found a deep abscess beside the old surgical wound.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- abscess
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Usage notes
Primary category: horror. Can be internal or visible; differs from a surface pustule and from a solid tumor. The diagnosis is not established by swelling alone. Noun plural: abscesses.
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