# abcess

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abcess
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a painful, swollen area on the skin that is filled with pus. It usually happens when your body fights an infection.

For teachers: a localized collection of pus that has formed within the tissues of the body, typically as a result of a bacterial infection.

## Examples

- The doctor drained the abcess on my arm.
- A small abcess developed on the patient's leg after the surgery, requiring immediate medical attention.
- While minor abcesses can often be treated with antibiotics, a deep-seated infection may necessitate surgical intervention to prevent the spread of bacteria to surrounding organs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.