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

Examples of septic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The wipes are compostable and septic-safe for all disposal systems, including motorhomes. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026

If your home uses a septic system, wastewater flows into a tank and filters through soil. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

If your home uses a septic system, wastewater flows into a tank and then through a drainfield. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Combination plans cover both, often with optional add-ons for items such as pools or septic systems. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

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 shock
• septic sore throat
• septic tank

Rhymes for septic

• peptic
• sceptic
• skeptic
• antiepileptic
• antiseptic
• epileptic
• neuroleptic
• aseptic
• dyspeptic
• organoleptic

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