puerperal fever


noun Pathology.

a systemic bacterial infection of the endometrium characterized by fever, rapid heartbeat, uterine tenderness, and malodorous discharge, chiefly occurring in women after childbirth, usually as the result of unsterile obstetric procedures.

Origin of puerperal fever

First recorded in 1760–70

British Dictionary definitions for puerperal fever

puerperal fever

noun

a serious, formerly widespread, form of blood poisoning caused by infection contracted during childbirth

Medical definitions for puerperal fever

puerperal fever

n.

An illness caused by infection of the endometrium following childbirth or an abortion, marked by fever and septicemia and usually caused by unsterile technique. childbed fever