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

Only rarely do they get through the barriers at the back of the nose and throat to invade the body and cause meningitis and sepsis.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Her parents thought it could be sepsis, but after being rushed back to hospital, a lumbar puncture confirmed she had MenB.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

It has further ongoing and planned trials for the treatment of bladder cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, sepsis, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphopenia.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

A pathologist also identified that sepsis was a factor in his death, "although evidence of any infection could not be found".

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

“No buts. It has to be done. We are risking sepsis here. If this gets any worse, the infection can get into your bloodstream.”

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott