pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response typically associated with an infection and is composed of exudate chiefly containing dead white blood cells (such as neutrophils), tissue debris, and pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria)

Examples of pus in a Sentence

Pus oozed from the cat's injured ear.

Recent Examples on the Web

Contact the treating clinician promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness or warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, extensive blistering, eye symptoms, or a reaction substantially more severe than described. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Using his antiseptic surgical technique, Joseph Lister successfully drained the pus. — Abe Baker-Butler, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026

On the screen, the room glimpsed stitches from the emergency operations, the mold and pus infecting him, the brutal anti-glamour of a homicide victim. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Increasing redness, pus, or a fever over the next several days are all reasons to see a medical professional. — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin pur-, pus — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pus

• bus
• buss
• cuss
• fuss
• glace
• huss
• plus
• russ
• sus
• suss
• thus
• truss

Kids Definition

pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: thick cloudy usually yellowish white fluid matter formed at a place of inflammation and infection (as an abscess) and containing white blood cells, tissue debris, and germs

Medical Definition

pus

noun

ˈpəs 

: a thick, opaque, usually yellowish-white, fluid matter that is formed as part of an inflammatory response typically associated with an infection and is composed of exudate chiefly containing dead white blood cells (as neutrophils), tissue debris, and pathogenic microorganisms (as bacteria)