1. A localized collection of pus in part of the body, formed by tissue disintegration and surrounded by inflamed area tissue: Shirley had an abscess in her gums that caused her entire mouth to hurt.

The dentist was gentle while he was cleaning out the abscess in Jeffery's wisdom tooth.

2. A circumscribed collection of pus usually caused by microorganisms: The doctor decided to lance the abscess on Ann’s leg so the pus could drain.

In the hospital Joan had several abscesses on her body as a result of lying in the same position for too long.

Abscesses can occur anywhere in the body, in hard or soft tissue, organs, or confined spaces; and because of their fluid content, abscesses can assume various shapes.

The internal pressure of abscesses can cause compression and displacement of surrounding tissue, resulting in pain; however, it is part of the body's natural defense mechanism because it localizes infection to prevent the spread of bacteria.

3. Etymology: from Latin abscessus, "an abscess"; literally, "a going away," from the stem of abscedere, "withdraw"; from ab-, "away" + cedere, "to go". The idea was that humors "go from" the body through the pus in the swelling.

A chronic abscess from infected bone or lymph nodes.

An abscess due to inflammation of obstructed sweat glands.