aseptic

American  

[uh-sep-tik, ey-sep-] / əˈsɛp tɪk, eɪˈsɛp- /

adjective

1. free from the living germs of disease, fermentation, or putrefaction.

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noun

1. a product, as milk or fruit juice, that is marketed in an aseptic package or container.

2. (used with a singular verb) aseptics, a system of packaging sterilized products in airtight containers so that freshness is preserved for several months.

aseptic British  

/ əˈsɛptɪk, eɪ- /

adjective

1. free from living pathogenic organisms; sterile

2. aiming to achieve a germ-free condition

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aseptic Scientific  

/ ə-sĕp′tĭk,ā-sĕp′tĭk /

1. Free of microorganisms that cause disease.

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Other Word Forms

• aseptically adverb
• asepticism noun
• nonaseptic adjective
• nonaseptically adverb

Etymology

Origin of aseptic

First recorded in 1855–60; a- ⁶ + septic

Compare meaning

How does aseptic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• septic vs. aseptic

Explanation

If something is aseptic it is sterile, sanitized, or otherwise clean of infectious organisms. Hospitals make every effort to keep operating rooms aseptic so that patients don’t contract infections after surgery. The prefix “a-” almost always means that a word means the opposite of its base. The adjective aseptic, “a-” plus the root “septic,” describes anything that is not septic or is without sepsis. The origin of septic is the Greek word septikos meaning “characterized by putrefaction.” Putrefaction is the rot that happens to flesh after it dies, and when something is aseptic it is free of any rot, filth, bacteria or viruses that could cause disease or death.

Example Sentences

“Mycelium has the advantage that it can be mass-produced under controlled, aseptic conditions, assuring specified levels of key compounds and preventing contamination by undesirable microorganisms and insects,” adds Saxe.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

What’s more, the aseptic cartons themselves are designed to be recyclable, and are usually made from around 70 percent paperboard.

From National Geographic • Dec. 12, 2023

The specialist process of filling the syringes used in the pens, called aseptic or sterile fill-finish, is particularly in demand.

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2023

That’s hard to achieve in the aseptic, isolated environment of a hospital, especially during the pandemic.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 27, 2022

I was served coffee but became uneasy in this aseptic, silent atmosphere as time passed.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey