antiseptic

[an-tuh-sep-tik]

adjective

1. pertaining to or affecting antisepsis.

2. free from or cleaned of germs and other microorganisms.

3. exceptionally clean or neat.

4. free of contamination or pollution.

noun

1. an antiseptic agent.

antiseptic

/ ˌæntɪˈsɛptɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or effecting antisepsis

2. entirely free from contamination

3. informal,  lacking spirit or excitement; clinical

noun

1. an antiseptic agent or substance

antiseptic

1. A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious microorganisms.

Other Word Forms

• antiseptically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiseptic¹

First recorded in 1745–55; anti- + septic

Example Sentences

While bemoaning the antiseptic, “look, don’t touch” aesthetic of modern cinema, Benedict did find time to tie it to the way we live, saying that the inhumanity of modern homes has crept into our bodies.

From Salon

But these once surefire hits have never been so limp and antiseptic.

From Salon

They were all the same: tube lights flickering, the air thick with the stench of decay and antiseptic.

From BBC

Then, later that day, when Megumi, a relative newbie at the sport, cut her hand on the wall, Gordon jumped in to offer her an antiseptic wipe.

From BBC

Given that environment, he added, it's crucial that intelligence agencies act in an "apolitical" and "antiseptic" way.

From Salon

Related Words

• hygienic 
• sterile