plural abscesses
ˈab-ˌse-səz 
-ˌsēz;
-sə-səz
: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed
adjective
an abscessed tooth [=an infected tooth that has caused an abscess in the gum]
Examples of abscess in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are many causes of jaw pain, ranging from mild to severe, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, dental abscesses, heart disease, and heart attacks.
—
Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
Dental issues compound over time; cavities can become infections, abscesses, even life-threatening conditions if left to fester.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
Previous research suggests that Black people with IBD are more likely to experience a delay in diagnosis and IBD complications such as fistulas and abscesses, and are less likely to be included in clinical trials.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The American Lung Association said these populations are also most at risk of pneumonia complications, which may include respiratory failure, lung abscesses and sepsis.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abscess
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Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
Dental issues compound over time; cavities can become infections, abscesses, even life-threatening conditions if left to fester.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
Previous research suggests that Black people with IBD are more likely to experience a delay in diagnosis and IBD complications such as fistulas and abscesses, and are less likely to be included in clinical trials.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The American Lung Association said these populations are also most at risk of pneumonia complications, which may include respiratory failure, lung abscesses and sepsis.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abscess
Cite this Entry
“Abscess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscess. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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Medical Definition
abscess
noun
ab·scess
ˈab-ˌses
plural abscesses
ˈab-səs-ˌēz
-ˌses-
-ˌses-
-əz
: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
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