Dictionary.com
definitions

antiseptic

[ an-tuh-sep-tik ]
/ ˌæn təˈsɛp tɪk /
|

adjective

pertaining to or affecting antisepsis.
free from or cleaned of germs and other microorganisms.
exceptionally clean or neat.
free of contamination or pollution.

noun

an antiseptic agent.

RELATED WORDS

hygienic, sterile, disinfectant, preservative, clean, antibiotic, prophylactic, antibacterial, purifier, detergent, preventative, germicide, sterilizer, bactericide, preventive, aseptic, pure, sanitary, bactericidal, medicated

Nearby words

  1. antisecretory,
  2. antiselection,
  3. antisense,
  4. antisense rna,
  5. antisepsis,
  6. antiseptic dressing,
  7. antiseptically,
  8. antisepticize,
  9. antiseptics,
  10. antiserum

Origin of antiseptic

First recorded in 1745–55; anti- + septic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for antiseptics

British Dictionary definitions for antiseptics

antiseptic

/ (ˌæntɪˈsɛptɪk) /

adjective

of, relating to, or effecting antisepsis
entirely free from contamination
informal lacking spirit or excitement; clinical

noun

an antiseptic agent or substance
Derived Formsantiseptically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for antiseptics

antiseptic

adj.

1750, coined from anti- "against" + septic. Figurative use by 1820. As a noun meaning "an antiseptic substance" by 1803.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for antiseptics

antiseptic

[ ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or producing antisepsis.
Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of infectious agents.

n.

A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious agents.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for antiseptics

antiseptic

[ ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk ]

A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious microorganisms.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for antiseptics

antiseptics

Substances that prevent or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.