Abscessing

/ˈæbsɛsɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The process of forming or developing an abscess; becoming filled with pus.

Etymology

From 'abscess' used as a verb (a relatively new usage) plus '-ing' for the present participle, showing how nouns can shift to verbs in medical contexts.

Kelly Says

When doctors say an infected wound is 'abscessing,' they mean the immune system is walling off the infection with white blood cells—it's your body trying to fight back by creating a protective barrier of pus.

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