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.

Nearby words

antisecretory, antiselection, antisense, antisense rna, antisepsis, antiseptic, antiseptic dressing, antiseptically, antisepticize, antiseptics, 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

They also make “food grade industrial alcohol” used in everything from solvents and antiseptics to fungicides.
Your ‘Craft’ Rye Whiskey Is Probably From a Factory Distillery in Indiana|Eric Felten|July 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Reject milk to which antiseptics have been added as preservatives.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique|John William Henry Eyre
Further proof of the ferment theory is afforded by the fact that antiseptics are fatal to nitrification.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XIX, No. 470, Jan. 3, 1885|Various
The exposed parts are washed with antiseptics, as are also the swords, repeatedly during the bout.
Germany and the Germans|Price Collier

The disorder is not malignant and usually yields to cleanliness and antiseptics.
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin|Henry Weightman Stelwagon
There was a powerful odour of drugs, of antiseptics, and Helen and Mrs. Markham were tearing cloth into strips.
Before the Dawn|Joseph Alexander Altsheler

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 Forms

antiseptically, 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