pustule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Medical; Literary; Negative-connotation informal
Quick answer
What does “pustule” mean?
A small, raised, inflamed, pus-filled blister or pimple on the skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, raised, inflamed, pus-filled blister or pimple on the skin.
By metaphorical extension, any small, swelling, blister-like formation, such as on a plant leaf, or a corrupt or maligned element within a system (e.g., 'a pustule of corruption').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in definition or spelling. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Associated with disease, infection, and unpleasantness in both contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. It is a specialized medical/dermatological term and an evocative word in literary or critical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pustule” in a Sentence
[Patient] has/developed a pustule on [Location].The [Surface] was covered in pustules.A pustule of [Abstract Malignancy].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pustule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- None. 'Pustule' is not used as a verb.
American English
- None. 'Pustule' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- None. There is no standard adverb form.
American English
- None. There is no standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- None. The adjectival form is 'pustular'.
- The patient presented with a pustular rash.
American English
- None. The adjectival form is 'pustular'.
- The infection caused a pustular eruption.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. A metaphorical use ('a pustule of inefficiency') would be highly dramatic and critical.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, dermatological, and literary studies papers.
Everyday
Rare. Used primarily if discussing a specific medical skin condition, often with a negative tone.
Technical
Core usage in dermatology, pathology, and botany to describe specific types of lesions or growths.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pustule”
- Misspelling as 'pustle' or 'pustual'.
- Mispronouncing the 't' as /t/ instead of /tʃ/ (it's 'puss-chool', not 'puss-tool').
- Using it to describe a non-pus-filled blemish.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. All pustules are pimples (inflammatory papules), but not all pimples are pustules. A pustule specifically contains visible pus, giving it a white or yellow center.
The doctor prescribed me with clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide for my pustules
The defining visual characteristic is a raised, inflamed bump with a visible central collection of pus, typically white or yellow.
A small, raised, inflamed, pus-filled blister or pimple on the skin.
Pustule is usually technical/medical; literary; negative-connotation informal in register.
Pustule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʌs.tʃuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpəs.tʃuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is not commonly used in idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PUS' + 'tule'. A PUSTULE is full of PUS and is an unpleasant (P) UGLY (U) SORE (S) TULE.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRUPTION/EVIL IS A DISEASE (e.g., 'a pustule of fascism on the body politic').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'pustule' LEAST appropriate?