bloodstream

noun

blood·​stream ˈbləd-ˌstrēm 

1

: the flowing blood in a circulatory system

2

: a mainstream of power or vitality

introduce into the economic bloodstream a large amount of money

—Harper's

Examples of bloodstream in a Sentence

The drug is now entering the bloodstream.

Recent Examples on the Web

When left untreated, this condition can lead to rare but potentially life-threatening complications, like cellulitis (a skin infection that can get into your bloodstream) and cavernous sinus thrombosis (a clot that restricts blood flow to your brain), Dr. Shokeen explains. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024

So there’s the ability to detect early signs of tumors within the bloodstream of a patient. —quantamagazine.org, 15 Oct. 2024

Key Takeaways Flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria in floodwaters can invade the bloodstream and cause fatal infections. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Hummingbirds cope with the onslaught by having leaky guts so that sugars can enter the bloodstream between gut cells instead of only through them. —Bob Holmes, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bloodstream

noun

blood·​stream -ˌstrēm 

: the flowing blood in a living thing with a circulatory system

Medical Definition

bloodstream

noun

blood·​stream -ˌstrēm 

: the flowing blood in a circulatory system