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Abscess

(Science: microbiology, surgery) a localised collection of pus caused by suppuration buried in tissues, organs or confined spaces. Usually due to an infective process.

Origin: L. Abscessus, from ab = away, cedere = to go symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue.An inflamed tissue or organ which is damaged, resulting in swelling and collection of pus (dead organic matter). In plants, this can lead to abscission, where the safety of the plant as a whole supercedes the damaged area, and thus, the damaged part is removed to preserve the fuller organism.