necrotizing fasciitis

noun

: a severe soft tissue infection that is caused by bacteria (such as Group A streptococci or MRSA) and is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissues with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

If the infection occurred on the skin or underlying tissue as through a cut, necrotizing fasciitis could develop, literally eating away deep muscle and other soft tissue, eventually causing organ failure and death.

—Shannon Thompkins

called also flesh-eating disease

Examples of necrotizing fasciitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thirteen of those were Vibrio vulnificus, the species that causes necrotizing fasciitis. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Fortunately, necrotizing fasciitis is not a super common condition. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

This type of infection is known as necrotizing fasciitis, and in severe cases, can result in amputation or death. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Vibrio vulnificus is not considered the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis in the United States, however. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

necrotizing fasciitis

noun

: a severe infection of soft tissue that is caused by bacteria (such as Group A streptococci or MRSA) and is marked by edema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissue with involvement of adjacent fascia and by painful red swollen skin over affected areas

On incision, clues such as fat necrosis … and thrombosis of subcutaneous veins … would suggest necrotizing fasciitis.

—Michael R. Filbin et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

If the infection occurred on the skin or underlying tissue as through a cut, necrotizing fasciitis could develop, literally eating away deep muscle and other soft tissue, eventually causing organ failure and death.

—Shannon Tompkins, The Houston Chronicle

called also flesh-eating disease

Note: Necrotizing fasciitis usually occurs as a complication of surgery, injury, or infection by extension from the initially affected site.