How Do You Spell ABSCESS?

Pronunciation: [ˈabsɛs] (IPA)

Abscess is a word with a tricky spelling. It is pronounced /ˈæb. sɛs/, which means that there is no obvious connection between its spelling and pronunciation. The initial consonant cluster of "abs" may seem confusing, but it is not uncommon in English. The double "s" in the middle of the word is pronounced as a double-sound /ss/. Finally, the ending "cess" is pronounced as “us”, making the final "s" silent. Despite its unusual spelling, "abscess" is a common medical term used to describe a localized infection that results in the accumulation of pus.

ABSCESS Meaning and Definition

  1. An abscess is a localized pocket of pus that forms within the body, typically as a result of a bacterial infection. It is characterized by a painful, swollen, and inflamed area, often accompanied by tenderness, redness, and warmth. The abscess can occur in various regions of the body, including the skin, internal organs, or deep tissues.

    The typical formation of an abscess begins with an initial infection, which triggers an inflammatory response from the body's immune system. This response aims to control and eliminate the infection, but it can also lead to the accumulation of dead cells, white blood cells, and fluid in the affected area. The pus, composed of dead bacteria and tissue debris, collects within a cavity that gradually enlarges, creating pressure and contributing to the characteristic symptoms.

    Abscesses can vary in size, from tiny ones that are barely noticeable to larger ones that can cause significant discomfort and impair the function of the affected area. They may also develop spontaneously or as a complication of an existing condition, such as an untreated wound, tooth decay, or a blocked gland.

    Treatment for an abscess often involves drainage to relieve the pressure and remove the accumulated pus. Depending on the severity and location, this may be done through a surgical incision or by using a needle or catheter to drain the abscess. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to eliminate the underlying infection. In some cases, surgical intervention or further medical evaluations may be necessary to address the underlying cause and prevent recurrence.

  2. A circumscribed collection of pus.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for ABSCESS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ABSCESS

Etymology of ABSCESS

The word "abscess" originated from Latin "abscessus" meaning "a going away, gathering of humors, abscess". It is derived from the verb "abscedere" which means "to go away, retire, withdraw". The term originally referred to the process of an abscess forming and discharging its contents.

Similar spelling words for ABSCESS

Plural form of ABSCESS is ABSCESSES

Conjugate verb Abscess

CONDITIONAL

I would abscess
you would abscess
he/she/it would abscess
we would abscess
they would abscess

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be abscessing
you would be abscessing
he/she/it would be abscessing
we would be abscessing
they would be abscessing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have abscess
you would have abscess
he/she/it would have abscess
we would have abscess
they would have abscess

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been abscessing
you would have been abscessing
he/she/it would have been abscessing
we would have been abscessing
they would have been abscessing

FUTURE

I will abscess
you will abscess
he/she/it will abscess
we will abscess
they will abscess

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be abscessing
you will be abscessing
he/she/it will be abscessing
we will be abscessing
they will be abscessing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have abscessed
you will have abscessed
he/she/it will have abscessed
we will have abscessed
they will have abscessed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been abscessing
you will have been abscessing
he/she/it will have been abscessing
we will have been abscessing
they will have been abscessing

IMPERATIVE

you abscess
we let´s abscess

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to abscess

PAST

I abscessed
you abscessed
he/she/it abscessed
we abscessed
they abscessed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was abscessing
you were abscessing
he/she/it was abscessing
we were abscessing
they were abscessing

PAST PARTICIPLE

abscessed

PAST PERFECT

I had abscessed
you had abscessed
he/she/it had abscessed
we had abscessed
they had abscessed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been abscessing
you had been abscessing
he/she/it had been abscessing
we had been abscessing
they had been abscessing

PRESENT

I abscess
you abscess
he/she/it abscesses
we abscess
they abscess

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am abscessing
you are abscessing
he/she/it is abscessing
we are abscessing
they are abscessing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

abscessing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have abscessed
you have abscessed
he/she/it has abscessed
we have abscessed
they have abscessed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been abscessing
you have been abscessing
he/she/it has been abscessing
we have been abscessing
they have been abscessing

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