puerperal fever

noun

, Pathology.

1. a systemic bacterial infection of the endometrium characterized by fever, rapid heartbeat, uterine tenderness, and malodorous discharge, chiefly occurring in women after childbirth, usually as the result of unsterile obstetric procedures.

puerperal fever

noun

1. a serious, formerly widespread, form of blood poisoning caused by infection contracted during childbirth

Word History and Origins

Origin of puerperal fever¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

In epidemics of puerperal fever this form of erysipelas has been specially found to prevail.

From Project Gutenberg

A woman who had been recently confined lay there raving in puerperal fever.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not pretended that the contagion of puerperal fever must always be followed by the disease.

From Project Gutenberg

He was at the examination of a case of puerperal fever at two o'clock in the afternoon.

From Project Gutenberg

In June, 1823, he assisted some of his pupils at the autopsy of a case of puerperal fever.

From Project Gutenberg