suppurate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "suppurate crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "suppurate crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
FESTER: To form pus; to become septic. This is a very common synonym for suppurate in crosswords, directly relating to the medical process.
GATHER: When a wound 'gathers', it means it is collecting pus or becoming inflamed, implying the process of suppuration.
4 Letters
OOZE: To slowly flow or seep out, which describes the discharge of pus from a suppurating wound.
More About "suppurate crossword clue"
The word "suppurate" means to form or discharge pus. It comes from the Latin suppurare, combining 'sub-' (under) and 'pus, pur-'. In a medical context, it refers to the process of a wound becoming infected and producing pus. When this term appears in crosswords, it often tests your knowledge of related medical vocabulary or common synonyms that describe the process or outcome of pus formation.
Crossword setters love words like 'suppurate' because they can have multiple synonyms depending on the exact nuance they want to convey (e.g., the formation of pus vs. the discharge of pus). Understanding the core meaning of "to fester" or "to collect pus" is key to unlocking these clues, and often, the letter count will be the definitive guide to the correct solution among similar words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For medical terms like 'suppurate', consider if the clue hints at a process (forming pus) or a result (pus itself).
- Count the Letters Carefully: The exact number of letters is your best friend. For 'suppurate', common answers like FESTER (6 letters) or OOZE (4 letters) directly correspond to specific lengths.
- Think Synonyms and Related Actions: Brainstorm words that mean "to fester," "to discharge," "to become infected," or "to collect."
- Consider Less Obvious Meanings: Sometimes a clue might hint at the feeling of something 'festering' beyond a physical wound, like resentment, which can also be a crossword trick.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'suppurate' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'suppurate' almost always refers to a medical context, meaning 'to form or discharge pus'. Clues often require synonyms for words like FESTER, OOZE, or other terms related to inflammation and infection.
Are there common synonyms for 'suppurate' in puzzles?
Yes, common crossword answers for 'suppurate' include FESTER, which is very direct. Other possibilities depend on the nuance, like OOZE (for discharge) or GATHER (for the formation of pus).
How can I guess a 'suppurate' answer without knowing the exact word?
Look at the number of letters provided. If it's 6 letters, FESTER or GATHER are strong candidates. If it's 4 letters, consider OOZE. Also, check surrounding letters for common patterns or other words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning.