abscess

ab-scess · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus caused by bacterial infection.

Forms

plural: abscesses

Related words

See also: boil, infection, ulcer
Synonyms: boil, pustule, sore, ulcer

Etymology

From Latin abscessus (a going away, departure), from abscedere (to go away), referring to the separation of infected tissue.