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.
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.
A circumscribed collection of pus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* 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.
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.