an·ti·sep·tic
ˌan-tə-ˈsep-tik 
1
a
: 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.
Calvin L. Strand et al.
b
: relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances
antiseptic treatment
2
a
: scrupulously clean : aseptic
antiseptic surgical instruments
b
: extremely neat or orderly
especially
: neat to the point of being bare or uninteresting
a spare, antiseptic waiting room
c
: free from what is held to be contaminating
an antiseptic version of rustic life
d
: having a cleansing or purifying quality or effect
… the antiseptic effect of sturdy criticism.—New Republic
New Republic3
a
: coldly impersonal
an antiseptic greeting
b
: 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
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
Examples of antiseptic in a Sentence
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
Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025
So is the problem with public education that schools have become anodyne and antiseptic, focused on pedagogy over content knowledge and love of reading books, soulless and viewless?
—Ryan Craig, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Laura Schober, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Benzoyl peroxide, which is a topical antiseptic that reduces the amount of bacteria on the skin.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiseptic
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Adjective
Belly button piercing aftercare Milan recommends gently cleaning your piercing two or three times a day with a saline or antiseptic solution.
—Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025
So is the problem with public education that schools have become anodyne and antiseptic, focused on pedagogy over content knowledge and love of reading books, soulless and viewless?
—Ryan Craig, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
Home remedies include application of antiseptics, witch hazel, and calamine lotion.
—Laura Schober, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Benzoyl peroxide, which is a topical antiseptic that reduces the amount of bacteria on the skin.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiseptic
Cite this Entry
“Antiseptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiseptic. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antiseptic
1 of 2 adjective
an·ti·sep·tic
ˌant-ə-ˈsep-tik
1
: killing or preventing the growth of germs that cause disease or decay
2
: relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances
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
1
: 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.
Calvin L. Strand et al. 2
: relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptic substances
antiseptic treatment
3
: free of living microorganisms : scrupulously clean : aseptic
antiseptic surgical instruments
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)
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