# abscess

/ˈæbˌsɛs/ (US) · /ˈæbsɛs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a painful, swollen area on the skin or inside the body that is filled with pus. It usually happens when an infection gets trapped under the skin.

For teachers: a localized collection of pus that has become encapsulated within the tissues of the body. Often results from a bacterial infection that is contained by the body's immune response.

## Examples

- The doctor drained the abscess to help him feel better.
- A small abscess appeared on his leg after he cut himself while gardening with rusty tools.
- The surgeon performed a minor procedure to excise the abscess, ensuring that the surrounding healthy tissue was not damaged during the extraction.

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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.