septic tank

American  

[sep-tik tangk] / ˈsɛp tɪk ˌtæŋk /

noun

1. a tank, often underground, in which organic sewage is decomposed and purified by anaerobic bacteria.

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septic tank British  

noun

1. a tank, usually below ground, for containing sewage to be decomposed by anaerobic bacteria

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Etymology

Origin of septic tank

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Tougher controls over the spreading of sewage and septic tank sludge to land as fertiliser in farming are also proposed, as are limits on using digestate from anaerobic digestion plants.

From BBC

Her bathroom became a toilet she fastened on top of her septic tank outside and exposed for her neighbors to see — had any of them come back.

From Los Angeles Times

The science shows the pollution problem in Lough Neagh comes largely from agriculture, with some from wastewater processing, septic tank seepage and industrial pollution around the shores.

From BBC

There, the conservation law swiftly came into conflict with a massive project to decommission thousands of septic tanks and replace them with a sewer system.

From Los Angeles Times

Even before the fire, few septic tanks and leach fields probably met current standards, which require substantially enhanced removal of pathogens.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cesspool
• sewer