PURULENT Meaning and
Definition
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Purulent is an adjective that describes something that is characterized by the presence of pus, a thick, yellowish fluid typically produced during an inflammatory response to infection. It is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the appearance or characteristics of certain conditions, such as infections, abscesses, or wounds.
The term "purulent" is derived from Latin "purulentus," which means "to generate or produce pus." When a substance or fluid is described as purulent, it usually indicates that it is thick, opaque, and contains dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.
In medical diagnosis, the presence of a purulent discharge from a wound or body orifice can be an indication of an infection. Symptoms of purulence can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection, but some common signs include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and the presence of draining pus.
Treatment of purulent infections often involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, drainage of the infected area, and sometimes surgical intervention. Failure to treat a purulent infection promptly can lead to the spread of infection, formation of abscesses, tissue damage, and even life-threatening complications in severe cases.
Overall, the term "purulent" is a descriptive medical term used to indicate the presence of pus, a sign of inflammation and infection in various health conditions.
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Suppurative, suppurating, containing or forming pus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Consisting of pus or matter; full of or resembling pus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PURULENT *
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Other Common Misspellings for PURULENT
Etymology of PURULENT
The word "purulent" originated from the Latin word "purulentus", which was derived from the verb "purulere", meaning "to fester". The Latin term itself was formed from the root word "pus", which referred to the thick, yellowish fluid that can be found in infected wounds or abscesses. Over time, "purulent" made its way into English to describe any condition or substance characterized by the production or presence of pus, typically indicating infection or inflammation.
Similar spelling words for PURULENT
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