abscess

/ˌæbˈsɛs/

/ˈæbsɛs/

Other forms: abscesses

An abscess is a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue. An abscess in a tooth is very painful and is often drained in a process called a root canal.

In the presence of bacteria or parasites, infected tissue will sometimes form a cavity where pus collects. This is an abscess, and it's one of the ways our body surrounds an infection and walls it off in an attempt to prevent it from spreading. An abscess can develop anywhere on the body: teeth, brain, tonsils, lungs, etc. An abscess on the skin is also called a boil.

Definitions of abscess

1. noun

   symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
   types:

   abscessed tooth

   an abscess of a common kind in the tissue around a tooth

   type of:

   symptom

   (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease