noun
abscess
AB-sehs
Abscess (noun) means a swollen, pus-filled pocket in the body, usually caused by infection. Example: “The dentist drained an abscess under his infected tooth.”
noun
1
A swollen, pus-filled pocket in the body, usually caused by infection.
"The dentist drained an abscess under his infected tooth."
"An untreated abscess can spread infection to nearby tissue."
verb
1
To develop into a pus-filled swelling.
"The small cut abscessed after days without proper cleaning."
How to use abscess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painful, swollen pocket of infection filled with pus, often needing to be drained by a doctor or dentist.
Common pairings
dental abscess
drain an abscess
burst abscess
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like abscess.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- abscesses
- Third person singular
- abscesses
- Past tense
- abscessed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dentist drained an _____ under his infected tooth.
Etymology
From Latin abscessus, "a going away" — originally describing how infected matter was thought to "withdraw" and collect in one spot, from abscedo, "to go away."
Frequently asked questions
What does “abscess” mean?
The word “abscess” means a swollen, pus-filled pocket in the body, usually caused by infection. In plain terms, a painful, swollen pocket of infection filled with pus, often needing to be drained by a doctor or dentist.
How do you pronounce “abscess”?
“Abscess” is pronounced AB-sehs (/ˈæbsɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “abscess” in a sentence?
Here is “abscess” used in a sentence: “The dentist drained an abscess under his infected tooth.”
What part of speech is “abscess”?
Depending on how it is used, “abscess” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “abscess” come from?
The word “abscess” comes from Latin. From Latin abscessus, "a going away" — originally describing how infected matter was thought to "withdraw" and collect in one spot, from abscedo, "to go away.".
How many meanings does “abscess” have?
“Abscess” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a swollen, pus-filled pocket in the body, usually caused by infection.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include abscess:
