How to pronounce abscess
Say it like AB-ses. Abscess has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abscess. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AB
- ses
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abscess pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- sesKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of abscess
American and British speakers say abscess in essentially the same way: /ˈæbsɛs/ in the US and /ˈæbsɛs/ in the UK.
British respelling: AB-ses.
What does abscess mean?
- A cavity caused by tissue destruction, usually because of infection, filled with pus and surrounded by inflamed tissue.
- To form a pus-filled cavity, typically from an infection.
Where does abscess come from?
Borrowed from Latin abscessus (“a going away; gathering of humors, abscess”), from abscēdō (“go away, depart”), from abs (“away from”) + cēdō (“go”).
Questions about saying abscess
How do you pronounce abscess?
Say AB-ses. The American pronunciation is /ˈæbsɛs/. In British English it is /ˈæbsɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abscess?
Abscess has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB). Broken into parts: AB · ses.
Do Americans and Brits say abscess the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæbsɛs/ and the British form is /ˈæbsɛs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.