empyema

noun em·py·ema \ˌem-ˌpī-ˈē-mə\

plural em·py·ema·ta\-mə-tə\ or em·py·emas

Definition of EMPYEMA

: the presence of pus in a bodily cavity

— em·py·emic \-mik\ adjective

Late Latin, from Greek empyēma, from empyein to suppurate, from em- ²en- + pyon pus — more at foul

First Known Use: circa 1605

Medical Dictionary

noun em·py·ema \ˌem-ˌpī-ˈē-mə\

plural em·py·ema·ta \-mət-ə\ also em·py·emas

: the presence of pus in a bodily cavity (as the pleural cavity)—called also pyothorax

—em·py·emic \-mik\ adjective

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