rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypurulentPus-related
adjective

purulent

PYUR-uh-lunt/ˈpjʊrələnt/

Containing, producing, or resembling pus.

Thick yellow-white purulent fluid emerges from the small inflamed pustule.

A restrained close-up of a small inflamed skin pustule with thick yellow-white pus emerging from its opening, clearly distinguishing purulent discharge from blood or clear fluid.
Etymology
purLatinpus
+ulentLatinfull of

The Latin formation describes something “full of pus.” Its early English use for a pus-like color shows how the adjective could refer to resemblance as well as to actual pus.

In context

Skilled Physicians Group I Skilled Wound Care0:48
when they're infected we do see a surface of it with a bio ooze or slimy quality or we could see actual purulent debris on top of an abrasion and then we know it's infected
Abrasion Wound Care

More examples

  • A purulent blister forms on the infected finger.
  • The doctor drains purulent fluid from the abscess.
  • The drainage looks purulent rather than clear.

Forms

purulent

purulence noun — The presence or production of pus.

Similar words

suppurative
Specifically describes conditions that produce pus, not merely resemble it.