What does pustule mean?
A pustule is a small raised lesion on the skin that contains pus. The term is chiefly medical and is more precise than an everyday expression such as pimple. A pustule may form because of inflammation, infection, or a blocked hair follicle, although its cause depends on the clinical context. In ordinary writing, the word is usually reserved for descriptions of skin eruptions and related medical findings. Its principal implication is therefore a small spot containing pus, rather than every raised mark on the skin. By contrast, a papule is solid and does not contain pus, while a vesicle contains clear fluid. Pustules can accompany disorders such as acne, but the presence of a pustule alone does not identify one particular condition. The word is also notable for its long history: it comes from Latin pustula, an ancient term for a pimple or blister. Accurate, controlled vocabulary makes it useful in medical description while preserving the distinction between pus-filled and solid skin lesions.
nounA small, raised spot on the skin containing pus.
- A small, raised lesion on the skin containing pus.
"A single pustule on his chin became inflamed overnight."
"A single pustule on his chin became inflamed overnight."
"The clinician noted a cluster of pustules across the patient's forehead."
The regular plural is pustules.
"Several pustules appeared along the hairline."
Its ancient Latin ancestor, pustula, meant “pimple” or “blister”—a fittingly small beginning for a medically precise word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pustule come from?
Pustule was borrowed into English from Latin pustula, meaning “pimple” or “blister.” The Latin word also underlies related forms such as pustular, pustulate, pustulation, and pustulous; cognates also appear in languages such as French and Spanish.
Related word forms
How pustule is actually used
Chiefly medical and neutral in register. The term is specific: it should not be used for an arbitrary raised skin mark unless the lesion contains pus.
Easily confused with pustule
A papule is a small, solid, raised skin lesion, whereas a pustule contains pus.