Abscess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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abscess
[ˈæbsɛs ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
medical
A collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body. It is typically caused by a bacterial infection.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The doctor drained the abscess to relieve the pressure.
- She developed an abscess after injuring her hand.
- If left untreated, the abscess can lead to serious complications.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Abscesses can form in many areas of the body, including the skin, teeth, and internal organs, as a response to infection.
- They may develop due to bacterial infections, blocked glands, or even foreign bodies like splinters.
- Abscesses often appear as a swollen lump and can be painful, red, and warm to the touch.
Historical Reference
- In ancient times, abscesses were sometimes treated with poultices or herbs before modern medical practices were developed.
- Surgeons in the Renaissance often drained abscesses by making incisions, a practice that laid the groundwork for modern surgical techniques.
Psychology
- The discomfort of an abscess can lead to emotional stress or anxiety due to fear of the pain and medical treatment involved.
- Sometimes, the feelings of vulnerability associated with medical issues like abscesses can create a metaphorical representation of emotional pain or unresolved issues.
Pop Culture
- Abscesses may appear in various movies and TV shows as visual symbols of decay or serious medical conditions that characters must confront.
- Some horror films utilize the imagery of abscesses to amplify themes of infection, danger, and the grotesque aspects of the human body.
Origin of 'abscess'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'abscess' comes from the Latin 'abscessus', meaning 'a going away', referring to the way the body isolates an infection.
- It shares roots with the Latin word 'cessare', which means 'to cease' or 'stop', hinting at how the body stops other tissues from being affected.
The word 'abscess' originated from the Latin word 'abscessus', which means a going away or a departure. In the medical context, it started being used in the 16th century to describe a collection of pus in the body. The treatment of abscesses has evolved over time, from ancient methods of drainage to modern surgical techniques.