purulent

adjective

pu·​ru·​lent ˈpyu̇r-ə-lənt How to pronounce purulent (audio)
ˈpyu̇r-yə-
1
: containing, consisting of, or being pus
a purulent discharge
2
: accompanied by suppuration

Examples of purulent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She was initially diagnosed with purulent meningitis, and though she was treated with medicine meant to reduce her fever and treat infection, her symptoms showed no improvement. — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 But other words that also can return deficiencies related to bedsores include: decubitus, purulent and pus, as well as Stage III and Stage IV (phrases that describe the most serious and dangerous sores, but can also describe cancer progression). — Ruth Talbot, ProPublica, 18 July 2023 Once freed, Spark Plug was immediately transferred to AHS’ trauma hospital where shelter veterinarians discovered a large laceration on her front left leg resulting in deep muscle exposure and a large amount of purulent debris. — The Republic, The Arizona Republic, 7 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin purulentus, from pur-, pus pus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purulent was in the 15th century

Rhymes for purulent

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Browse Nearby Words

purulence
purulent
puruloid
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Cite this Entry

“Purulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purulent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

purulent

adjective
pu·​ru·​lent -lənt How to pronounce purulent (audio)
1
: containing, consisting of, or being pus
a purulent discharge
a purulent lesion
2
: accompanied by suppuration
purulent meningitis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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