Meaning
A collection of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity (as opposed to an abscess, which occurs in a newly formed cavity).
Etymology
Origin: Ancient Greek
From Ancient Greek ἐμπύημα (empúēma, “gathering, abscess”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
No published puzzle dates on file for this word yet. It is part of the official NYT Spelling Bee word list for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.