pustule
UK[ˈpʌstjuːl]US[ˈpʌstʃuːl]
n
a small blister or pimple on the skin containing pus.
Morpheme Breakdown
pust
ule
pust
swelling
ule
small diminutive suffix
Etymology
the word pustule traces its lineage directly to latin 'pustula', which denoted a blister, pimple, or inflamed swelling. this latin term is derived from the root 'pus-', relating to pus or a foul discharge, which itself can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root pu-, meaning to rot or decay. the diminutive suffix '-ule' was appended, transforming the base meaning into "a small swelling containing pus." thus, the modern medical term retains a direct and logical connection to its ancient descriptive origins, precisely capturing the nature of a small, pus-filled lesion on the skin.
Analysis
Structure: pust (swelling) + ule (small diminutive suffix)
pust (from latin 'pustula', meaning blister, pimple, swelling) + ule (a diminutive suffix from latin '-ulus', '-ula', '-ulum', indicating smallness).
Examples
the doctor diagnosed the small, red bump as an infected pustule.
a common symptom of the skin condition is the formation of painful pustules.
he was advised not to squeeze the pustule to avoid scarring.