antiseptic

1 of 2

adjective

an·ti·sep·tic ˌan-tə-ˈsep-tik

Synonyms of antiseptic next

: opposing microbial infection

especially : preventing or inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms (such as bacteria) in or on living tissue (such as the skin or mucous membranes)

applied an antiseptic solution to the wound

antiseptic mouthwash

In general, the preparation of the skin with one or more antiseptic agents (e.g, alcohol, iodine tincture, an iodophor, or chlorhexidine gluconate) applied individually or sequentially in a concentric fashion to the venipuncture site should provide that proper satisfactory antisepsis … —

Calvin L. Strand et al.

: relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances

antiseptic treatment

: scrupulously clean : aseptic

antiseptic surgical instruments

: extremely neat or orderly

especially : neat to the point of being bare or uninteresting

a spare, antiseptic waiting room

: free from what is held to be contaminating

an antiseptic version of rustic life

: having a cleansing or purifying quality or effect

… the antiseptic effect of sturdy criticism.—

New Republic

: coldly impersonal

an antiseptic greeting

: of, relating to, or being warfare conducted with cold precision from a safe distance with few or no casualties on one's side

antiseptic bombings

antiseptically

ˌan-tə-ˈsep-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

antiseptic

2 of 2

noun

plural antiseptics

: an antiseptic substance : a substance (such as isopropyl alcohol or chlorhexidine) that destroys or inhibits the growth or action of microorganisms (such as bacteria) especially in or on living tissue (such as the skin or mucous membranes)

clean the wound with an antiseptic

Example Sentences

Adjective known for keeping a strenuously antiseptic kitchen, the floor of which does indeed seem fit for eating off of for such an expensive, elegant Sunday brunch, one would expect the attendants at the buffet tables to be professionally attired in starched, antiseptic white jackets Noun Clean the affected area with an antiseptic. He applied antiseptic to the wound.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But the difference is that there is an air of objectivity with ChatGPT—this comes, in part, from its neutral, antiseptic writing voice. —

Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 1 Mar. 2023 For minor wounds, there are a number of adhesive bandages as well as antiseptic wipes and triple antibiotic ointment. —

Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 14 Feb. 2023 The Strawfield Pets Chlorhexidine Shampoo also contains chlorhexidine, an antiseptic agent. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022 Honey is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that soothes itching, while aloe vera relieves skin irritation and helps reduce redness. —

Lindsay Modglin, Health, 13 Feb. 2023 Byers, a cannabis user, said the bill could transform retailers from antiseptic, pharmacy-like locations into community spaces. —

Noah Goldbergstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2023 The wooden case is a nice touch, if far from the antiseptic materials used in today’s labs. —

Jennifer Doudna, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2023 First aid items, including bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves and instant cold packs. Candles and flashlights. —

Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2023 Chemical residue found in the jars allowed researchers to identify mixtures of fragrant or antiseptic oils, tars and resins, according to the study. —

Gabrielle Nolin, NBC News, 2 Feb. 2023

Noun

Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic that may be used to treat bacterial skin disorders, and miconazole nitrate can be used to treat fungal infections. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2022 Developed in 1879 as a surgical antiseptic, Listerine sold for a variety of purposes. —

Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 13 Oct. 2022 Ethanol, the intoxicant in beer, is a powerful antiseptic, but not a good cold remedy. —

Christian Millman, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2013 Lavender oil is a natural antiseptic that wards off the bacteria that prevent healthy and strong growth. —

Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Chamomile has a soothing effect and is also a natural antiseptic. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022 Aloe vera hydrates, while calendula and nutmeg soothe, and vetiver is a natural antiseptic that also happens to smell deliciously manly. —

The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 My mother knew the spice’s sulfur compounds as an antiseptic, an antispasmodic, a digestive, a diuretic, an expectorant, a sedative, and a laxative. —

Madhur Jaffrey, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2022 Then, give it a spritz of an antiseptic or sterilizing spray to prevent the spread of any plant diseases. —

Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antiseptic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from New Latin antisepticus, from anti- anti- + Latin sēpticus "putrefactive, septic"

Note: New Latin antisepticus is first found in the writing of the Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738), e.g., Libellus de materie medica et remediorum formulis (Leiden, 1719), and may have been coined by him.

Noun

borrowed from New Latin antiseptica, antisepticum, noun derivatives of antisepticus antiseptic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of antiseptic was in 1639

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Antiseptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiseptic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

antiseptic

1 of 2 adjective

an·ti·sep·tic ˌant-ə-ˈsep-tik

: killing or preventing the growth of germs that cause disease or decay

: relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances

antiseptically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

antiseptic

2 of 2 noun

: a substance that helps stop the growth or action of microorganisms especially in or on living tissue

Medical Definition

antiseptic

1 of 2 adjective

an·ti·sep·tic ˌant-ə-ˈsep-tik

: opposing microbial infection

especially : preventing or inhibiting the growth and action of microorganisms in or on living tissue (as the skin or mucous membranes)

an antiseptic oral rinse

topical antiseptic solutions for wounds

In general, the preparation of the skin with one or more antiseptic agents (eg, alcohol, iodine tincture, an iodophor, or chlorhexidine gluconate) applied individually or sequentially in a concentric fashion to the venipuncture site should provide that proper satisfactory antisepsis … —

Calvin L. Strand et al.

: relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances

antiseptic treatment

: free of living microorganisms : scrupulously clean : aseptic

antiseptic surgical instruments

antiseptically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

antiseptic

2 of 2 noun

: an antiseptic substance : a substance (as hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, or chlorhexidine) that destroys or inhibits the growth or action of microorganisms (as bacteria) especially in or on living tissue (as the skin or mucous membranes)