sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare septicemia

Examples of sepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bacteria pneumonia can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which is extremely dangerous and can be quickly fatal. Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025 For my client, in the absence of fever, pain and results on gynecological examinations, nothing suggested that there was serious sepsis. Becca Longmire, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 Her potassium and sugar levels dropped while her lactic acid levels rose, indicating possible infection or sepsis. Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025 In 2021, Clinton was hospitalized for five days with sepsis caused by an infection. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sepsis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sēpsis decay, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sepsis was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

“Sepsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sepsis. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

sepsis

noun
sep·​sis ˈsep-səs How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septicemia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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