Main Entry: necrotizing fasciitis

Function: noun

: a severe soft tissue infection typically by Group A streptococci or by a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissues with involvement of the fascia and widespread undermining of adjacent tissue, by painful red swollen skin over affected areas, and by polymorphonuclear leukocytosis and that usually occurs as a complication of surgery, injury, or infection by extension from the initially affected site