Abscess Meaning
/ˈæbsɛs/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA cavity caused by tissue destruction, usually because of infection, filled with pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue.
verbTo form a pus-filled cavity, typically from an infection.
Sentence Examples
He had an abscess on his tonsil.
You have an abscess.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The dentist drained the painful ____ on the patient's gum.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The dentist had to treat a painful ____ in the patient's gum.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin abscessus (“a going away; gathering of humors, abscess”), from abscēdō (“go away, depart”), from abs (“away from”) + cēdō (“go”). See cede.
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The dentist drained the painful ____ on the patient's gum.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The dentist had to treat a painful ____ in the patient's gum.