Definition

A thick, yellowish or greenish liquid produced in infected tissue, consisting of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.

Example

The doctor noted the purulence in the wound, indicating an infection that needed treatment.

Conversation

I heard that the doctor mentioned something about purulence in your test results.

Yeah, it sounds pretty concerning, doesn't it?

It does! Do you know what they said about the purulence?

They just said it indicates an infection, but I'm trying not to worry too much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Purulence → It is formed from "purulent" (from Latin "purulentus", meaning full of pus) and the suffix "-ence" (meaning the state or condition of). The word "purulence" refers to the state of being full of pus or the condition of producing pus.

Memory Tip

Think of 'purulent' meaning full of pus, and remember that 'purulence' describes the condition of having pus.

Visually Confused Words