'bacteremic' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'bacteremia' combined with the suffix '-ic', where 'bacter-' comes from Greek 'baktērion' meaning 'small staff' (i.e., 'rod') and the element '-emia' comes from Greek 'haima' meaning 'blood'.

'bacteremic' developed from New Latin 'bacteremia' + the English-adapted suffix '-ic' and entered modern English with the form 'bacteremic' referring to being affected by bacteremia.

Initially it meant 'pertaining to bacteremia (the presence of bacteria in the blood)', and it has retained that specific medical meaning in modern usage.