Diapyesis

/daɪæpaɪˈiːsɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical condition involving suppuration or the formation of pus; an abscess or purulent infection that forms and discharges through tissues.

Etymology

From Greek 'dia-' (through) + 'pyesis' (suppuration, from 'pyon,' pus). Used in classical and medieval medicine to describe infections that work their way through tissue layers.

Kelly Says

Before antibiotics, diapyesis was both a symptom of serious infection and sometimes a sign of healing—doctors looked for pus discharge as evidence the body was fighting back!

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