abscess
nounUK /ˈæb.ses/
US /ˈæb.ses/
A painful lump full of pus that forms inside your body.
The doctor gave him medicine to treat the abscess on his tooth.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by tissue breakdown.
The scan showed a small abscess in the liver.
3. Any abnormal cavity or sac containing fluid in an organ or tissue.
A brain abscess can cause severe headaches and fever.
4. A festering or corrupt condition in a group or system.
The scandal was an abscess in the heart of the organization.