septicemia

n. a severe (usually bacterial) infection of the bloodstream, typically as a result of microorganisms invading from an infection site elsewhere in the body. Septicemia may be characterized by fever, chills, and skin eruptions. A particularly hazardous complication is spread of the infection to tissues of the nervous system. Also called bacteremia; blood poisoning. See also sepsis.

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Psychology term of the day

February 20th 2025

principle of constancy

in classical psychoanalytic theory, the idea that all mental processes tend toward a state of equilibrium and the stability of the inorganic state. Also called constancy law; law of constancy. See also death instinct; nirvana principle.