Disease or Syndrome
empyema Audio
em·py·e·ma [ em-pee-ee-muh, -pahy- ]
Subclass of:
Suppuration
Etymology:
Greek en (em-) = within + pyos = pus
Definitions related to empyema:
  • An accumulation of pus in a body cavity, usually the pleural space.
    NICHD Pediatric Terminology
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An accumulation of pus in the pleural space.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Presence of pus in a hollow organ or body cavity.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Empyema is defined as the presence of frank pus in the pleural space. Parapneumonic effusions are effusions caused by an underlying pneumonia. A simple parapneumonic effusion is not infected, whereas a complicated parapneumonic effusion develops once infection has spread to the pleural space. These 3 conditions represent a spectrum of...
    Epocrates
    Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
  • Empyema, accumulation of pus in a cavity of the body, usually in the pleura, which are the serous membranes covering the lungs. Empyema is the result of a microbial, usually bacterial, infection in a body cavity. Thoracic empyema may be characterized by fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.