fester
pronunciation
How to pronounce fester in British English:
UK [ˈfestə(r)]
How to pronounce fester in American English:
US [ˈfestər]
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- Noun:
- a sore that has become inflamed and formed pus
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- Verb:
- ripen and generate pus
Word Origin
- fester (v.)
- late 14c., of wounds, "to become ulcerous, suppurate," from festre (n.) "a fistula" (c. 1300), or from Old French verb festrir "ulcerate, fester," from festre (n.) "small sore discharging pus." The nouns in Old French and Middle English both are from Latin fistula "pipe, ulcer" (see fistula). Related: Festered; festering; festerment.
Example
- 1. The consequences of letting the problem fester could be considerable .
- 2. It treats the symptoms of social discontent while leaving the causes to fester .
- 3. In japan , the " bubble " grew for only a few relatively intense years from 1985-1991 . Here in the united states , it 's been allowed to fester for 30 years .
- 4. Some tensions continue to fester .
- 5. The obvious contrast is with japan , where bad debts were left to fester .