antisepsis

[an-tuh-sep-sis]

noun

1. destruction of the microorganisms that produce sepsis or septic disease.

antisepsis

/ ˌæntɪˈsɛpsɪs /

noun

1. destruction of undesirable microorganisms, such as those that cause disease or putrefaction Compare asepsis

2. the state or condition of being free from such microorganisms

antisepsis

1. The destruction of pathogenic microorganisms in order to prevent infection.

Word History and Origins

Origin of antisepsis¹

First recorded in 1870–75; anti- + sepsis

Example Sentences

The emergence of surgery from its barbaric past rested on four pillars: the understanding of anatomy, the control of bleeding, anesthesia and antisepsis.

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It is important that the biological basis of infection and antisepsis was unknown when the Constitution was written.

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Along with antisepsis and anesthesia, they rank as one of the greatest achievements of scientific medicine.

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A quiet man who stood out from his showy contemporaries, Lister pioneered antisepsis.

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It should also be said that Lister's contribution wasn't his discovery of antisepsis; rather it was his application of germ theory to medical practice through the systematic implementation of antisepsis.

Read more on Scientific American

Related Words

• purification 
• sanitation 
• sterilization 
• washing