| flegmon | 1. <dermatology> A spreading, diffuse inflammatory reaction to infection with microaerophilic streptococci, which forms a suppurative or gangrenous and undermining lesion that may extend into deep subcutaneous tissues and muscles, creating multiple small pockets of pus. Synonym: phlegmonous cellulitis. Compare: cellulitis, erysipelas. 2. <surgery> A solid, swollen, inflamed mass of pancreatic tissue occurring as a complication of acute pancreatitis, which may subside spontaneously or become secondarily infected and develop into an abscess. Origin: Gr. Phlegmon (13 Nov 1997) |
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