septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm 

plural septa ˈsep-tə 

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue compare dissepiment

Examples of septum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paired with a septum piercing and a dark lip, last night’s choice points to a more vampy direction for the actress. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2026

With her all-black getup, cowboy hat, and sparkly septum piercing, Musgraves was the image of a lovelorn singer. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026

The obstacle could be a deviated septum. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026

When the septum is off-center or tilted to one side, it’s known as a deviated septum, which can cause nasal blockage, breathing difficulties, or persistent drainage. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin saeptum enclosure, fence, wall, from saepire to fence in, from saepes fence, hedge

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm 

plural septa -tə 

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue

Medical Definition

septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm 

plural septa -tə 

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue: as

a

: nasal septum

b

: crural septum