septum

American  

[sep-tuhm] / ˈsɛp təm /

noun

Biology.

plural

septa

1. a dividing wall, membrane, or the like, in a plant or animal structure; dissepiment.

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septum British  

/ ˈsɛptəm /

noun

1. biology anatomy a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities

2. a dividing partition or membrane between two cavities in a mechanical device

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septum Scientific  

/ sĕp′təm /

plural

septa

1. A thin wall or membrane that separates two parts or structures in an organism. Septae separate the chambers of the heart and subdivide the hyphae of some fungi.

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Etymology

Origin of septum

1710–20; < Latin sēptum, variant of saeptum enclosure, noun use of neuter of saeptus (past participle of saepīre to fence); akin to saepēs hedge, fence

Example Sentences

Nathan Cohen, a 19-year-old college sophomore, had a septorhinoplasty in late December to fix a deviated septum and slightly alter the tip of his nose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

A masterfully executed tattoo-shop scene involves a ceiling fan, skull bobblehead and septum piercing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

Doctors say the fall caused a problem with her nasal septum - the bone and cartilage which separates the nostrils.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2024

Bolsonaro said he will undergo procedures to correct a hiatus hernia and a deviated septum.

From Reuters • Sep. 11, 2023

“An iced coffee, please,” she told the cute male barista with the septum piercing.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon