Invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection; SYN. septicemia, septicaemia.
Presence in the bloodstream of quantities of bacteria or bacterial toxins sufficient to cause serious illness. blood-poisoning

ETYM New Lat., from Greek, putrefaction.
The presence of pus-forming bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues. General term for infectious change in the body caused by bacteria or their toxins. State of poisoning in part of body or blood stream.

Septicemia, blood-poisoning with presence of bacteria and their toxins in blood.

Technical term for blood poisoning.