Main Entry: sep·sis

Pronunciation: \ˈsep-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural sep·ses \ˈsep-ˌsēz\

: a systemic response typically to a serious usually localized infection (as of the abdomen or lungs) especially of bacterial origin that is usually marked by abnormal body temperature and white blood cell count, tachycardia, and tachypnea ; specifically : systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by a documented infection—see multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septic shock