Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Suppuration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’‰
Add to dictionary

suppuration

[sรฆpษ™หˆreษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Suppuration refers to the process of pus formation that occurs during infections or inflammatory responses in the body. It typically results from the body's immune response to pathogens, such as bacteria, that invade tissue. The accumulation of pus can lead to the development of abscesses if not properly managed. Suppuration is often accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. Effective treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause of infection and may require drainage of the pus.

Synonyms

abscess formation, purulence, pus formation.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor noted a suppuration in the infected wound.
  • The patient had a suppuration that required surgical intervention.
  • Antibiotics were prescribed to help reduce the suppuration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medical Terminology

  • The term comes from the Latin 'suppurare,' which means 'to form pus.'
  • Doctors often look for signs of suppuration to help diagnose infections.
  • It usually occurs when the body fights bacteria that can get into cuts or wounds.

Cultural References

  • In medieval times, some healers believed that letting wounds ' drain' or suppurate would help cleanse them.
  • Pus has been a subject of fascination in literature, often used to symbolize decay or disease.

Biological Function

  • Pus is made up of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, reflecting the bodyโ€™s immune response.
  • The formation of pus is often a sign that the immune system is working to combat infection.

Historical Context

  • Before modern medicine, wounds that suppurated were sometimes treated with herbal remedies or poultices.
  • Surgeons in the 19th century had to deal with suppuration frequently, leading to advances in antiseptic practices.

Modern Medicine

  • Today, doctors may use antibiotics to treat infections that lead to suppuration.
  • In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary to drain pus from the body.

Origin of 'suppuration'

The term 'suppuration' originates from the Latin word 'suppuratio', which comes from 'suppurare', meaning 'to produce pus'. This Latin term itself is derived from 'sub-' meaning 'under', and 'puris' meaning 'pus'. The word has been used in medical contexts since the late 14th century to describe the process of pus formation during infection or inflammation. In historical texts, physicians observed the physical characteristics of infected wounds and the presence of pus, coining this term to encapsulate the observation. Over the centuries, the understanding of suppuration has evolved with advancements in medical knowledge, particularly regarding infections, the immune response, and proper treatment methodologies.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,488, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.