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a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria.
Contemporary Examples

When he finally goes to see a dentist, he learns that he has an abscess: the tooth is rotten, threatening to overtake his jaw.
‘Mad Men’ Returns: A Recap of Season Five Jace Lacob April 4, 2013

Historical Examples

Eight days after the injury an abscess was opened near the tuberosity of the ischium, and the ball was removed from that spot.
A Treatise on Gunshot Wounds Thomas Longmore

At the end of that time an abscess of the lungs was relieved and my cough was cured.
Old Rail Fence Corners Various

A cyst is usually the result of the abscess having been encapsulated and its wall not having been removed at the first operation.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) Various

Mucus and pus (matter such as comes from an abscess) may also be discharged.
The Home Medical Library, Volume II (of VI) Various

This had produced the abscess, and the abscess had caused death.
The Little Gleaner, Vol. X. Various

She laughed with her whole body and soul, and burst the abscess, and was well.
Spare Hours John Brown

Cases in which a free incision meets with an abscess ready to heal are very uncommon.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Various

This is imperative if the abscess is in the region of joints, etc.
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse United States Department of Agriculture

If the pus can be localized an incision should be made and the abscess drained.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 Various

noun
a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria
verb
(intransitive) to form such a collection of pus
n.

1610s, from Latin abscessus “an abscess” (Celsus), literally “a going away,” from stem of abscedere “withdraw,” from ab- “away” (see ab-) + cedere “to go” (see cede). The notion is that humors “go from” the body through the pus in the swelling.

abscess ab·scess (āb’sěs’)
n.

A collection of pus formed by tissue destruction in an inflamed area of a localized infection.

A cavity that is formed by liquefactive necrosis within solid tissue.

v. ab·scessed, ab·scess·ing, ab·scess·es
To form an abscess.
abscess
(āb’sěs’)
A localized collection of pus surrounded by infected tissue.
abscess [(ab-ses)]

An inflamed area (see inflammation) in the body tissues that is filled with pus.