malignant pustule
- noun
- /məˈlɪɡnənt ˈpʌstjuːl/
- Archaic
:
pústula maligna
- If untreated, a malignant pustule can lead to life-threatening complications such as septicemia and organ failure.
Examples
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The physician identified a malignant pustule on the patient's forearm after exposure to contaminated animal hides.
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Swift medical intervention is critical when someone develops a malignant pustule following contact with infected livestock.
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The doctor diagnosed her with a malignant pustule on her arm.
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He developed several malignant pustules after handling contaminated materials.
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If untreated, a malignant pustule can lead to life-threatening complications such as septicemia and organ failure.
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The physician identified a malignant pustule on the patient's forearm after exposure to contaminated animal hides.
-
Swift medical intervention is critical when someone develops a malignant pustule following contact with infected livestock.
Synonyms
1
9.2
A skin infection caused by bacteria that starts as a small sore and can become a dangerous ulcer if untreated
How Severe
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally built from 'malignant' (harmful, aggressive) + 'pustule' (a pus-filled skin bump), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a serious/infected skin lesion. While the clinical specifics (e.g. anthrax association or systemic effects) go beyond simple deduction, the core meaning of a dangerous pustular lesion is directly derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
Malignant pustule names a dangerous pus-filled sore: malignant means 'harmful' and pustule is a small bump full of pus, often seen in anthrax infections. So it means a very serious skin sore that can make you very sick.