: progressive gangrene marked by impregnation of the dead and dying tissue with gas and caused by one or more toxin-producing clostridia
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebIt 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