empyema

empyema Definition

em·py·ema (em′pī ē′mə, -pē ē′-)

noun pl. empyemata -·mata (-mə tə) or empyemas -·mas

the accumulation of pus in a body cavity, esp. in the pleural cavity

Etymology: altered (infl. by Gr) < ME empima < ML empyema < Gr empyēma < empyein, to suppurate < en-, in + pyon, pus

Related Forms:

empyematous em′·py·e′ma·tous (-ē′mə təs, -em′ə-) adjective or empyemic em′·py·e′mic (-ē′mik, -em′ik)

empyema Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

subdural: Acute subdural empyema is the most imperative surgical emergency.
pleural: Can be difficult to differentiate pleural empyema from pleural effusion in the absence of a positive Gram stain or bacterial culture.
acute: Acute subdural empyema is the most imperative surgical emergency.

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