plural sepses
ˈsep-ˌsēz 
: 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 septicemiaExamples of sepsis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2021, he was hospitalized for six days in California due to a sepsis infection that had spread to his bloodstream.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Infection in the heart and bloodstream: An endocarditis infection can also lead to sepsis.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 28 Dec. 2024
Immediate medical attention is crucial, as the infection can lead to organ failure, sepsis, shock, and even death.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Like her mother's infection, it had not been treated quickly and had progressed to sepsis.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Infection in the heart and bloodstream: An endocarditis infection can also lead to sepsis.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 28 Dec. 2024
Immediate medical attention is crucial, as the infection can lead to organ failure, sepsis, shock, and even death.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Like her mother's infection, it had not been treated quickly and had progressed to sepsis.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sepsis
Dictionary Entries Near sepsis
Cite this Entry
“Sepsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sepsis. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sepsis
noun
sep·sis
ˈsep-səs
plural sepses
ˈsep-ˌsēz
: 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, septicemiaLove words? Need even more definitions?
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