Which of the following describes 'purulent' discharge?

The term "purulent" is used in medical contexts to describe a type of discharge that is typically associated with infection. This discharge is characterized by the presence of pus, which is a thick fluid composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. The nature of a purulent discharge is that it is often cloudy and may appear thick due to its composition.

Understanding what makes purulent discharge distinct helps in clinical diagnosis and management of infections. The thick consistency is essential as it indicates an active inflammatory response usually in the presence of an infection. Other types of discharge, such as clear or watery examples, do not fit this definition since they lack the pus component that characterizes purulent discharge. Therefore, a description that includes both "pus-like" and "thick" accurately captures the essence of what purulent discharge entails.