Incorrect spelling, explanation: abcess could be pronounced the same and seems similar enough, but it can not be considered correct, because it lost the s which is present in the original word abscedere. Consonants can be compared to the spine of the word, so they generally stay in their place when the word is assimilated into another language – which is why s is present in the correct form: abscess.
Correct spelling, explanation: the word abscess comes from Latin abscedere meaning to go away. It underwent several changes, including changes in spelling and pronunciation, but in general, the root of the word does not change much, so the contemporary spelling should still be relatively close to the original.
Definition of abscess:
Noun
1. A wound or a swollen tissue around the wound, often leaking/filled with pus.
The cat scratch on my hand became infected and turned into a huge abscess.
She had several wounds and abscesses which leaked a weird-smelling discharge.
Incorrect spelling
Incorrect spelling
Incorrect spelling
Incorrect spelling
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How do you explain the spelling of the s in abscess as sc makes the s sound and so does ce. It appears that sce make the s sound in abscess. Could you explain this?
I see “abcess” all over the place – in fact, if it wasn’t for the wavy red line under it, I never would have looked up “abscess” to see if it genuinely is correct. Where do you get your information regarding with an S versus without?
All the best to you and yours,
Mos Daft
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