suppurative
|sup-pu-ra-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˈsʌpjərətɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˈsʌpjʊrətɪv/
producing pus
Etymology
'suppurative' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'suppūrāre' meaning 'to fester, form pus', with the Latin adjective-forming suffix producing 'suppūrativus' (tending to suppurate).
'suppūrāre' passed into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'suppūrativus' and through Old/Medieval French and Middle English usage eventually became modern English 'suppurative'.
Initially it referred to the process 'to fester or form pus'; over time it came to be used as an adjective meaning 'producing or associated with pus' in medical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
producing, forming, or characterized by the formation of pus; causing or involving suppuration (used especially of infections or inflammations).
The wound became suppurative and required drainage and antibiotics.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/23 17:25