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

The microbes can cause a constellation of symptoms in humans, from vomiting and diarrhea to sepsis, kidney failure and even death.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

Chase, who also starred in the cable drama Big Love, died from sepsis following a bout with meningitis in a Los Angeles hospital, her longtime manager John Ryan Jr confirmed to BBC News on Wednesday.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

He had been experiencing symptoms of bacterial pneumonia for “days to weeks” before sepsis set in, the certificate states.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

In models of sepsis and kidney injury, methionine again protected mice, suggesting that it could be relevant for other inflammatory disease settings.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 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