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pus

pus thick white or yellowish fluid that forms in areas of infection such as wounds and abscesses. It is constituted of decomposed body tissue, bacteria (or other micro-organisms that cause the infection), and certain white blood cells. These white cells form one of the defense mechanisms of the body. Known as phagocytes, they rush to the area of infection and engulf the invading bacteria in a process called phagocytosis. Many white cells themselves succumb in the process and become one of the constituents of pus.

pus

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views updated May 14 2018

pus Yellowish fluid forming as a result of bacterial infection. It comprises blood serum, leucocytes, dead tissue and living and dead bacteria. An abscess is a pus-filled cavity.

World Encyclopedia

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pus

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views updated May 18 2018

pus (pus) n. a thick yellowish or greenish liquid formed at the site of an established infection. Pus contains dead white blood cells, both living and dead bacteria, and fragments of dead tissue. See also mucopus, seropus.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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pus

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views updated May 21 2018

pus / pəs/ • n. a thick yellowish or greenish opaque liquid produced in infected tissue, consisting of dead white blood cells and bacteria with tissue debris and serum.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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pus

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pus XVI. — L. pūs, pūr-.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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