Pathology · Haematological System · Hard
Pyaemia
Meaning: Bloodstream infection with pus-forming bacteria that seed multiple abscesses around the body.
In practice: Pyaemia caused abscesses in the lungs and liver after infected thrombophlebitis.
Word parts
- -emia means a condition of the blood
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Shrinkage and darkening of a cell nucleus as chromatin condenses, an early sign of cell death.
Answer: Pyknosis
Which word means: Red, velvety patch on a mucous membrane with a high risk of malignant change.
Answer: Erythroplakia
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