Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 bacteremia /(băk*tēr*ē"mē*ȧ [or] băk`tŭ*rē"mē*ȧ)/ · bac·ter·e·mi·a · IPA 01 n. The presence of bacteria in the blood. 1. The presence of bacteria in the blood. Syn. bacteriemia.