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”

Example Sentences

Among the children who died from flu last season, the most common complications experienced before death were shock or sepsis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, seizures and damage to the brain.

From Los Angeles Times

The criminology student thought she had flu in her first year at college - but when her temperature soared, the GP suspected she might have sepsis.

From BBC

Doctors discovered Morgan had a severed bowel and had developed sepsis.

From BBC

The care given to a 45-year-old man with disabilities who died from sepsis after not being given the correct medication for 34 hours has been described as a "shambles" by his mother.

From BBC

She was unable to drive at all for 12 years after a serious injury, which led to life-threatening sepsis and the amputation of her leg.

From BBC