Sep`ti*cae"mi*a (?), n. [NL., from Gr. putrefactive + blood.] Med.

A poisoned condition of the blood produced by the absorption into it of septic or putrescent material; blood poisoning. It is marked by chills, fever, prostration, and inflammation of the different serous membranes and of the lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

<-- Now septicemia. A condition caused by bacterial infection, the effects being mediated by the release of toxins by bacteria, within the circulation. (local infection is sepsis) Also septemia, septic fever, hematosepsis, sapremia -->

 

© Webster 1913.