gas gangrene

noun

: progressive gangrene marked by impregnation of the dead and dying tissue with gas and caused by one or more toxin-producing clostridia

Examples of gas gangrene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It is called gas gangrene because the bacteria make gas, which can be felt under the skin. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 24 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gas gangrene

noun

: progressive gangrene marked by impregnation of the dead and dying tissue with gas and caused by one or more toxin-producing bacteria of the genus Clostridium (especially C. perfringens synonym C. welchii) that enter the body through wounds and proliferate in necrotic tissue