definition of an abcess
noun. A swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus: once the abscesses burst, they usually discharge for several days before gradually healing up figurative one of his priorities as prime minister was to lance the abscess of corruption.oun. A swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus: once the abscesses burst, they usually discharge for several days before gradually healing up figurative one of his priorities as prime minister was to lance the abscess of corruption.