septic

adjective

sep·​tic ˈsep-tik 

1

: of, relating to, or causing putrefaction

2

: relating to, involving, caused by, or affected with sepsis

septic patients

3

: used for sewage treatment and disposal

a septic system

also : of or relating to a septic system

septic effluents

Examples of septic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the county, the reason for the holdup is that the Coast Guard never installed a septic system. —John Ramos, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026

Another pressing issue is the number of failing septic systems in the Porter Beach neighborhood. —Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Additionally, Baldini notes that its shallow, spreading roots can invade lawns, septic systems, and sidewalks, posing challenges for homeowners. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026

The second step is for Jennifer to obtain an independent plan from a licensed septic designer showing exactly how the new system should have been installed. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin septicus, from Greek sēptikos, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing septic

• go septic
• septic shock
• septic sore throat
• septic tank

Rhymes for septic

• peptic
• sceptic
• skeptic
• antiepileptic
• antiseptic
• epileptic
• neuroleptic
• aseptic
• dyspeptic
• organoleptic

Medical Definition

septic

adjective

sep·​tic ˈsep-tik 

1

: putrefactive

2

: relating to, involving, caused by, or affected with sepsis

septic complications

septic arthritis

septic patients