abcès

/ab.sɛ/
nounIntermediate
🏥Medicine
technical

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the disintegration of tissue, usually due to an infectious process.

Le médecin a drainé l'abcès pour enlever le pus.

The doctor drained the abscess to remove the pus.

Un abcès dentaire peut causer une douleur intense.

A dental abscess can cause intense pain.

💡

The term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe localized infections.

Collocations

abcès dentairedental abscessabcès cutanéskin abscessdrainer un abcèsto drain an abscess

Synonyms

Related Phrases

avoir un abcèsphrase
to have an abscess

💡Pro Tip

Medical Context

Always use 'abcès' in medical or clinical contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless referring to a specific medical condition.

Gold Rule

Spelling and Pronunciation

Note the accent on the 'e' in 'abcès'. The pronunciation is /ab.sɛ/.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'abscessus', meaning 'a going away', from 'ab' (away) and 'cedere' (to go).

📝Usage Notes

The term is primarily used in medical contexts. In everyday language, it is often referred to as a 'pus-filled swelling'.

Word Breakdown

ab-
away
prefix
+
-cès
going
root
Noted on May 2, 2026FREN