empyema

/ɛmˈpaɪəmə/

Definitions

1. noun

a collection of fluid, usually pus or blood, that accumulates in a body cavity, such as the pleural space around the lungs.

“The patient was diagnosed with empyema and required immediate surgical intervention to drain the infected fluid.”

2. noun

a fluid-filled cavity in a body part.

“The doctor ordered a CT scan to investigate the empyema in the patient’s knee.”

Synonyms

  • abscess
  • pyothorax

Antonyms

  • pleural effusion