rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypustulePus-filled swelling
noun

pustule

PUS-chool/ˈpʌstʃuːl/

A small inflamed skin swelling filled with pus.

The small pustule has a pale center surrounded by an inflamed red rim.

A close-up of a small raised pustule on an older man's forearm: an opaque yellow-white pus-filled center surrounded by a clearly inflamed red rim and otherwise normal skin.
Etymology
pustuleLatinblister, pimple

Latin pustula meant a blister or pimple, a raised spot on the skin. A pustule is a more specific kind of swelling: one that is inflamed and contains pus.

In context

Armando Hasudungan1:36
y-you see our small blisters forming vesicles actually it can also be pustule which are usually thick walled but these can rupture
Impetigo Bacterial Skin Infection - Overview (Clinical Presentation, Pathophysiology, Treatment)

More examples

  • Several pustules appeared on her chin during an acne breakout.
  • The skin around the pustule looks red and swollen.
  • The nurse advised him not to squeeze the pustule.

Forms

pustule · pustules

pustular adjective — Relating to or marked by pustules.

Similar words

pimple
A small skin bump that does not necessarily contain pus.
blister
A raised skin pocket usually containing clear fluid, not pus.
abscess
A localized collection of pus, often larger and deeper.