What does the term purulent refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, the term "purulent" specifically refers to the presence of pus, which is a thick fluid that results from the body's inflammatory response to infection or irritation. Pus is composed of white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria, which often accumulate during an infection. Therefore, describing a substance or discharge as purulent indicates that it has a character similar to pus, commonly associated with infections that cause inflammation.

Understanding purulent material is crucial in clinical settings, as it can help healthcare providers identify the type of infection and guide treatment decisions.