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

In a 56-page court filing with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the state agency in charge of protecting the environment is effectively arguing in favor of new septic systems near the Indian River Lagoon while abandoning its responsibility to protect the manatees living in it. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025

Like many in Florida, Indian Creek estate owners struggle with septic systems. —Pat Beall, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025

Its preferred habitat is wet areas such as riparian corridors, springs and even septic leach areas. —Martha Proctor, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

Septic tank system treatment pods: on sale for $15.96 Original price: $24.99 (Amazon) These septic treatment pods contain powerful probiotics and bacteria that produce enzymes that help break down organic materials. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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