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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.
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noun
  1. an antiseptic agent.
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Origin of antiseptic

First recorded in 1745–55; anti- + septic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

hygienicsteriledisinfectantpreservativecleanantibioticprophylacticantibacterialpurifierdetergentpreventativegermicidesterilizerbactericidepreventiveasepticpuresanitarybactericidalmedicated

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British Dictionary definitions for antiseptics

antiseptic

adjective
  1. of, relating to, or effecting antisepsis
  2. entirely free from contamination
  3. informal lacking spirit or excitement; clinical
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noun
  1. an antiseptic agent or substance
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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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
antiseptics in Medicine

antiseptic

(ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk)
adj.
  1. Of, relating to, or producing antisepsis.
  2. Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of infectious agents.
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n.
  1. A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious agents.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
antiseptics in Science

antiseptic

[ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk]
  1. A substance that inhibits the proliferation of infectious microorganisms.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
antiseptics in Culture

antiseptics

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

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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.