Apostemate

/əˈpɑːstəmeɪt/ verb

Definition

To form an abscess or swelling; to suppurate or discharge pus in the manner of an abscess.

Etymology

From aposteme (abscess) + the verbal suffix -ate. Meaning the process of becoming or developing into an abscess with purulent matter.

Kelly Says

Medieval physicians would describe infections as 'apostemat­ing' as a way of explaining that the body's natural healing process was underway—they didn't yet understand bacteria, so they interpreted pus formation as the body expelling corrupted matter.

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