Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Purulent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆ 
Add to dictionary

purulent

[หˆpjสŠrษ™lษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Purulent refers to the presence of pus, which is a thick fluid that accumulates at the site of infection. It usually consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. The condition is often a sign of infection and can be observed in wounds, abscesses, or any inflammatory process.

Synonyms

infected, pus-filled, suppurative.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor examined the purulent discharge from the wound.
  • He was diagnosed with a purulent infection requiring antibiotics.
  • The purulent nature of the inflammation indicated the need for surgical intervention.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Significance

  • Purulent fluids often indicate a bacterial infection, requiring medical attention.
  • Common conditions associated with purulent discharge include abscesses and infected wounds.

Pop Culture

  • Various horror films use the imagery of purulent infections to enhance the grotesque or unsettling atmosphere.
  • In literature, the description of purulent wounds often signifies decay and serves to create vivid, alarming imagery.

Scientific Perspectives

  • The presence of pus is a result of the bodyโ€™s immune response to fight off bacteria.
  • In a laboratory setting, the examination of purulent fluid can help microbiologists identify the causative pathogens.

Psychology

  • The sight of purulent discharge can invoke feelings of disgust, which can sometimes lead to phobic reactions toward health and cleanliness.
  • Understanding infection and healing can affect mental well-being, as concerns over illness are common in health anxiety.

Origin of 'purulent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'purulentus', which means 'full of pus'.
  • In medieval times, medical terminology began to evolve, and 'purulent' was used to describe infections.

The word 'purulent' comes from the Latin term 'purulentus', which derives from 'pus', meaning 'pus-like'. In medical terminology, 'pus' itself has its roots in the Latin word 'pus', also meaning 'purulent matter'. This term has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe conditions associated with the presence of pus, often in the context of infections or inflammatory processes. As medicine evolved, so did the understanding of purulent infections, leading to more refined definitions and treatments. The suffix '-lent' is used in English to indicate a full or abundant quality, thus purulent literally means 'full of pus'.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,025, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.