septic

American  

[sep-tik] / ˈsɛp tɪk /

adjective

1. Pathology.

   1. relating to, caused by, or affected by sepsis or infection.

      Adequate and prompt antibiotic therapy is essential for a septic patient.

      She was admitted to the hospital with septic shock.

   2. causing sepsis or infection.

      If care is not taken, there is the potential for introducing septic agents through injection.

2. relating to or designed for the treatment of sewage by anaerobic bacteria.

   The rural property, just shy of three acres, is on a private well and septic system.

   Contamination of the bay may be a result of insufficient septic drainfields or faulty sewer lines or pumping stations.

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noun

Informal.

1. a septic tank or septic system.

   They were able to get to my house the next day, drain the septic, and fix the sump pump.

   Here’s what to do if your septic is leaking.

septic British  

/ sɛpˈtɪsɪtɪ, ˈsɛptɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by sepsis

2. of, relating to, or caused by putrefaction

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noun

1. informal short for septic tank

Other Word Forms

• nonseptic adjective
• septically adverb
• septicity noun

Etymology

Origin of septic

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin sēpticus, from Greek sēptikós, from sēpt(ós) “rotted” (from sḗpein “to make rotten”; sepsis ( def. ) ) + -ikos -ic

Compare meaning

How does septic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• septic vs. aseptic

Example Sentences

At the same time, its older infrastructure, such as water lines and septic systems, needs to be upgraded to current codes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Inside, they found Thomas going into septic shock due to a ruptured appendix, according to a report from the San Bernardino County coroner’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time a second dose of antibiotic was given, which was also delayed, Graham had become septic.

From BBC

Timothy’s cause of death was ruled to be septic shock due to a ruptured appendix, according to the coroner’s report.

From Los Angeles Times

“These homes require septic systems, sea walls, retaining walls and complex foundations. Those come with restrictions,” Bundy said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• deadly
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• fatal
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• virulent