antiseptic

American  

[an-tuh-sep-tik] / ˌæn təˈsɛp tɪk /

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.

antiseptic British  

/ ˌæntɪˈsɛptɪk /

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

antiseptic Scientific  

/ ăn′tĭ-sĕp′tĭk /

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

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Other Word Forms

• antiseptically adverb

Etymology

Origin of antiseptic

First recorded in 1745–55; anti- + septic

Example Sentences

The sound of a dog barking is a dead giveaway, but even without that, the competing scents of antiseptic, kibble, and wet dog tell me everything I need to know.

From Literature

If possible, wash the wound with soap and water; avoid using antiseptic wipes, which may irritate the wound.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s about to schlep through a 162-game season with them: plane trips, batting practice, 1 a.m. room service steak dinners in antiseptic luxury hotels.

From The Wall Street Journal

In an age before antiseptic, opening up the body almost always led to infection and death.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was a first-aid kit at the bottom, and luckily it was still stocked with bandages and antiseptic wipes and Tylenol.

From Literature

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile