sepsis

American  

[sep-sis] / ˈsɛp sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. local or generalized invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins.

   dental sepsis; wound sepsis.

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sepsis British  

/ ˈsɛpsɪs /

noun

1. the presence of pus-forming bacteria in the body

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sepsis Scientific  

/ sĕp′sĭs /

1. A severe infection caused by pathogenic organisms, especially bacteria, in the blood or tissues. If untreated, a localized infection, as in the respiratory or urinary tracts, can lead to infection in the bloodstream and widespread inflammation, characterized initially by fever, chills, and other symptoms and later by septic shock.

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Etymology

Origin of sepsis

First recorded in 1855–60; from Greek sêpsis “decay”; compare sḗpein “to make rotten”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sepsis

A similar "early warning" system to identify acutely ill adults, including those with sepsis, is already in use in emergency and general NHS hospital wards.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

Zadie's family were previously told by MSE that staff had not updated local sepsis guidance since 2017.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

"That delay deprived the deceased of timely and appropriate assessment and treatment at the Royal Victoria Hospital for pneumonia and sepsis and materially contributed to his premature death."

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

It is named after Martha Mills, who died aged 13 at King's College Hospital in London in 2021 after developing blood poisoning or sepsis.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026

They call it "sepsis," and they know from bitter experience how quickly a "septic" wound can go from slight redness to gross swelling to a fatal condition called gangrene.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

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