septicemic
|sɛp-tɪ-siː-mɪk|
/ˌsɛptɪˈsiːmɪk/
relating to blood infection
Etymology
'septicemic' originates from Modern English, formed from 'septicemia' + the suffix '-ic', where 'septicemia' ultimately comes from Greek 'septikos' meaning 'putrefaction' and 'haima' meaning 'blood'.
'septicemic' developed by adding the adjectival suffix '-ic' to the noun 'septicemia', which passed into English via Medieval Latin 'septicaemia' (and related Old French forms) from Greek roots.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to septicemia', and over time it has retained that core meaning referring to blood infection or conditions caused by septicemia.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or caused by septicemia (blood poisoning).
Septicemic complications can arise when an infection spreads into the bloodstream.
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Adjective 2
affected by septicemia; having bacteria or their toxins present in the bloodstream.
The patient became septicemic after the wound was left untreated.
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Last updated: 2025/10/09 12:36