Abscess Meaning and Definition
Abscess
Pronunciation
/ˈæbsəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A pocket of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection, that forms within tissue, often as a result of poor wound care or compromised immune function.
Examples
- The abscess developed after the surgery and required immediate treatment.
- Poor wound care led to the formation of an abscess on the patient’s knee.
Synonyms
- Boil
- Impulse
Antonyms
- Hernia
- Cyst
Additional Information
Abscesses can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, arms, and legs. They are typically treated with antibiotics and drainage, although in severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary.
Abscesses can be classified as suppurative or non-suppurative, depending on the presence of pus. Suppurative abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infections, while non-suppurative abscesses are often caused by other factors, such as trauma or inflammation.
Etymology
The word “abscess” comes from the Latin “abscessus,” meaning “thickness” or “swelling.”
Usage Notes
Abscess should be used as a noun, describing the condition or lesion, rather than as a verb, which would imply the act of abscessing or infecting.
Cultural References
Abscesses have been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television, often as a symbol of illness or injury.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
Boil, Impulse, Infection, Pus, Pustule
Collocations
Abscess and antibiotics, Abscess and drainage, Abscess and infection
Frequency of Use
Abscess is a relatively uncommon term in everyday language, but is commonly used in medical contexts.
Common Misspellings
Absess, Absis, Absiss