Suppurate: meaning, definitions and examples
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suppurate
[ΛsΚpjΚreΙͺt ]
Definitions
medical
To form or discharge pus; to become or cause to become suppurating.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suppurate |
This medical term is used to describe the process of forming or discharging pus. It is typically used in a clinical or technical setting.
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| festering |
This word describes a wound or sore that is infected and producing pus. It has a somewhat negative connotation and is often used in casual or descriptive language.
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| pussy |
This informal term describes a wound or sore that is filled with pus. It carries a negative connotation and is often used in everyday conversation.
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| infected |
This is a general term that indicates the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or microorganisms. It can describe any area of the body and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The wound began to suppurate after getting infected.
- If the infection is not treated, the wound may suppurate.
formal
To grow or develop gradually into a more advanced, mature, or complex state.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suppurate |
Used in medical or biological contexts to describe the process of forming or discharging pus, often indicating infection or inflammation; typically negative connotation.
|
| develop |
Frequently used in a wide variety of contexts to describe the process of growth, improvement, or bringing something into a specified state or condition. Can be used positively or neutrally.
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| evolve |
Often used in scientific and metaphorical contexts to describe gradual changes over time, typically leading to improvement or adaptation; this word suggests a natural, sometimes complex process.
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| mature |
Typically used to indicate reaching an advanced stage of mental, physical, or emotional development. Often denotes completeness, ripeness, or readiness, and is neutral to positive in connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The idea began to suppurate in his mind, evolving into a full-fledged plan.
- Over time, the small disagreement suppurated into a major conflict.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'suppurare,' which means 'to produce pus.'
- It is formed from two Latin roots: 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'pur' meaning 'pus.'
- The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.
Medical Insights
- Suppuration is a natural defense mechanism of the body, allowing it to fight infections.
- Common conditions that cause suppuration include abscesses, infections, or injuries.
- While suppuration can aid healing, excessive pus formation can indicate a serious infection requiring medical treatment.
Cultural References
- In literature, suppuration is often used as a metaphor for decay or corruption.
- Certain artworks from the Renaissance depicted scenes of suppuration to illustrate themes of mortality and the physical body.
Psychological Perspectives
- Viewing the process of suppuration can be distressing, as it is often associated with pain and sickness.
- People may develop phobias or anxiety about wounds and infections, often heightened by media and dramatic portrayals of illness.
Literature
- Writers like Stephen King have used graphic descriptions of wounds and suppuration to evoke horror and highlight the human condition.
- The use of suppuration in storytelling can symbolize deeper emotional wounds and the healing process.