noun
boil
A painful, pus-filled swelling on the skin.
The doctor examines the painful boil.
Etymology
Old English bȳl named a swelling. This inherited noun identifies the raised, inflamed spot on the skin, especially a painful swelling that contains pus.
More examples
- A small boil formed on his shoulder.
- She made an appointment about the boil.
- The report described several boils on the skin.
Forms
boil · boils
Similar words
- skin abscess
- A closely related medical description.
- swelling
- A broader raised or enlarged area.