noun
septicemia
sep-tuh-SEE-mee-uh/ˌsɛptəˈsimiə/
A serious bloodstream infection that can cause illness throughout the body.
In septicemia, bacteria in the bloodstream can cause widespread illness.
Etymology
The pieces join putrefaction with a condition of the blood, expressing the older idea of “blood poisoning.” In the selected sense, this refers to serious infection involving bacteria or toxins in the blood.
In context
sepsis is sometimes referred to as septicemia which means poisoning of the blood
More examples
- She receives intravenous antibiotics to treat septicemia.
- An untreated wound can lead to septicemia.
- The patient remains in the hospital while recovering from septicemia.
Forms
septicemia
septicemic adjective — Relating to a serious bloodstream infection.
Similar words
- bacteremia
- Means bacteria are present in blood, not necessarily causing illness.
- sepsis
- Emphasizes the body's dangerous response to infection, not its location.