What is "peritonsillar abscess"

n. a painful pus-filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues; usually a complication of tonsillitis [syn: quinsy]

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as a quinsy or quinsey, is a recognized complication of tonsillitis and consists of a collection of pus beside the tonsil in what is referred to as peritonsillar space (peri—meaning surrounding). It is a commonly encountered otorhinolaryngological (ENT) emergency.