puerperal fever

noun

: an abnormal condition that results from infection of the placental site following delivery or abortion and is characterized in mild form by fever but in serious cases the infection may spread through the uterine wall or pass into the bloodstream

called also childbed fever, puerperal sepsis

Examples of puerperal fever 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.
Concluding that the medical students and obstetricians were causing puerperal fever in their pregnant patients by infecting them with cadaverous particles on their hands, Semmelweis instituted some harsh protocols. — Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Holmes suggested that unwashed hands among the medical and nursing staff were responsible for transmitting puerperal fever. — Gary Simon, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puerperal fever was in 1716

Rhymes for puerperal fever

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puerperal
puerperal fever
puerperium
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Cite this Entry

“Puerperal fever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puerperal%20fever. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

puerperal fever

noun
: an abnormal condition that results from infection (as by streptococci) of the placental site following delivery or abortion and is characterized in mild form by fever of not over 100.4°F (38.0°C) but may progress to a localized endometritis or spread through the uterine wall and develop into peritonitis or pass into the bloodstream and produce sepsis

called also childbed fever, puerperal sepsis

More from Merriam-Webster on puerperal fever

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about puerperal fever

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