suppuration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Proficient (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Medical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “suppuration” mean?
The process of forming and discharging pus from an infected wound or tissue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of forming and discharging pus from an infected wound or tissue.
Broadly, any process of decay or festering that results in pus formation; can metaphorically describe any situation that festers and worsens over time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Clinical, pathological. Carries strong associations with infection, disease, and bodily decay.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions. Used almost exclusively in medical, veterinary, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “suppuration” in a Sentence
The [noun/wound] underwent suppuration.Suppuration [verb/occurred] in the [noun/tissue].[Noun/Treatment] aimed to prevent suppuration.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suppuration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The puncture wound began to suppurate after a few days, requiring antibiotic treatment.
- If the abscess does not drain, it will continue to suppurate.
American English
- The incision showed signs of infection and started to suppurate.
- Without proper care, the wound may suppurate and delay healing.
adverb
British English
- The wound discharged suppuratingly for over a week.
- (Extremely rare usage; typically paraphrased.)
American English
- (Extremely rare usage; 'with suppuration' is preferred.)
- The tissue reacted suppuratingly to the foreign body.
adjective
British English
- The suppurating lesion was cleaned and dressed daily.
- He presented with a deeply suppurating ulcer on his leg.
American English
- The suppurating wound required surgical debridement.
- A suppurating cyst can be both painful and malodorous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A metaphorical stretch might be 'The financial scandal led to a suppuration of distrust.'
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and historical papers (e.g., history of medicine).
Everyday
Extremely rare. A layperson would say 'it got infected and pus came out' or 'it's festering.'
Technical
Core usage. Common in clinical notes, surgical reports, pathology, and veterinary medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suppuration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suppuration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suppuration”
- Misspelling as 'supuration' (one 'p').
- Confusing with 'suppuration' (the verb form).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'infection' or 'pus' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, technical term used almost exclusively in medical fields.
The formation of pus' or 'festering'.
Yes, but it's a very forceful and graphic metaphor, comparing a worsening situation to a festering wound (e.g., 'the suppuration of political corruption').
'Infection' is the broader presence of harmful microorganisms. 'Suppuration' is a specific result of some infections—the actual formation and release of pus.
Suppuration is usually formal, medical, technical in register.
Suppuration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌp.jʊəˈreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌp.jəˈreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Related concept: 'The wound came to a head.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPPURATION sounds like 'SUPer RATION' – imagine a 'super ration' of bad food causing such terrible infection that it leads to pus formation.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE WOUNDS / CORRUPTION IS DISEASE (e.g., 'Suppuration of moral decay in the institution').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'suppuration' MOST appropriately used?