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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Legislation rolling back wetlands protections may have been dealt a fatal blow Thursday after Indiana lawmakers stripped the language out of a sewage and septic system bill for irrelevance. —The Indianapolis Star, 20 Apr. 2023

This advanced dishwashing solution helps break down stubborn food particles, offers superior cleaning performance, and even works with septic systems. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2023

Some symptoms of a septic miscarriage include fever, chills and tenderness in the lower abdomen, and surgery is needed to remove the cause of the infection. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2023

There are no water or sewer hookups, but those looking for a septic dump can find one nearby for $1. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2023

The bill sets aside another $5 million for septic systems that can be used in the state’s Black Belt, where some communities lack sanitary sewage systems. —Mike Cason | [e-mail], al, 14 Mar. 2023

Suitable for all washing machine types, including HE machines, this laundry detergent is also safe for use with septic systems. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023

Read Next: Freight Train Derails Spilling Hundreds of Cases of Beer Into Famed Montana River Florida is working to update water treatment infrastructure by converting septic systems to sewers, but there are still opportunities to get pharmaceuticals out of the water. —Matthew Every, Field & Stream, 4 Apr. 2023

That is intended to address situations where raw sewage is discharged in some communities, and failing septic systems. —Mike Cason | [e-mail], al, 9 Mar. 2023

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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 sore throat
• septic shock
• septic tank

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

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