What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pyogenic
Example
The pyogenic bacteria caused the wound to become infected. [pyogenic: adjective]
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the pyogenic infection. [pyogenic: noun]
suppurative
Example
The patient was diagnosed with a suppurative infection. [suppurative: adjective]
Example
The abscess was drained to remove the suppurative material. [suppurative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suppurative is less common than pyogenic in everyday language, and is mostly used in medical contexts. Pyogenic is more versatile and can be used in both technical and non-technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pyogenic and suppurative?
Both pyogenic and suppurative are formal words that are typically used in medical contexts. However, pyogenic may be more commonly used in technical writing, while suppurative may be more commonly used in clinical settings.