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

Despite heavy bleeding and a deviated septum, Davies continued playing.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

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

People with more serious cases may need surgery or prosthetic button to fill the hole, while others may need home remedies or to monitor the septum if there aren’t any significant issues.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

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

From Reuters • Sep. 11, 2023

How would that yellow number 2 pencil look as an ornament, inserted through a pierced ear-lobe or nasal septum?

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond