suppurative: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “suppurative” mean?
Producing or forming pus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Producing or forming pus.
Used to describe a disease, infection, or condition characterized by the formation and discharge of pus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its technical medical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “suppurative” in a Sentence
Be (highly) suppurativeBecome suppurativeCause suppurative [noun]Present with suppurative [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suppurative” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The biopsy confirmed a suppurative inflammation of the gland.
- Treatment shifted once the wound became suppurative.
American English
- The patient was diagnosed with suppurative cellulitis.
- Antibiotics are indicated for a suppurative infection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and biological research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of medical discussions.
Technical
Core term in clinical medicine, pathology, and dermatology to classify types of infection/inflammation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suppurative”
- Misspelling as 'supurative' (single 'p').
- Confusing it with 'suppressive' (which means to stop something).
- Using it in non-medical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often synonyms in medical contexts. 'Suppurative' emphasizes the active process of pus formation, while 'purulent' describes the nature of being pus-like. In practice, they are frequently interchangeable.
No. The related verb is 'suppurate' (/ˈsʌpjʊreɪt/). 'Suppurative' is exclusively an adjective.
No. It is a specialised medical term understood by healthcare professionals but very rarely used in everyday conversation.
A non-suppurative infection, which may be viral, serous, or granulomatous in nature, without significant pus production.
Producing or forming pus.
Suppurative is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Suppurative: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌpjʊrətɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌpjəˌreɪtɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPPUrative – think of the 'SUPPer' being ruined by PUS (SUPP-U-rative).
Conceptual Metaphor
INFLAMMATION IS A FACTORY (producing pus).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'suppurative' most commonly used?