or chiefly Brit  sep*ti*cae*mia  n :  invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection that is accompanied by chills, fever, and prostration and often by the formation of secondary abscesses in various organs - called also blood poisoning  - see PYEMIA  sep*ti*ce*mic or chiefly Brit  sep*ti*cae*mic  adj 
 
 
 
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