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
Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
There is extensive data from the last quarter century proving that the antiseptic preservative is safe, with no harms identified beyond slight soreness at the injection site, but none of that data was presented during today's meeting.
—ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
In addition, untreated sewage commonly contains potentially hazardous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and biocides, a category including pesticides and antiseptics.
—Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiseptic
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Adjective
There’s also an antiseptic quality to much of the town’s luxury.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
There is extensive data from the last quarter century proving that the antiseptic preservative is safe, with no harms identified beyond slight soreness at the injection site, but none of that data was presented during today's meeting.
—ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Noun
The kit will be stocked with all the essentials such as bandages, antiseptics, and tools such as a thermometer.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
In addition, untreated sewage commonly contains potentially hazardous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and biocides, a category including pesticides and antiseptics.
—Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 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 12 Jul. 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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