septic

adjective

sep·​tic ˈsep-tik How to pronounce septic (audio)
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 | Mcason@al.com, 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 | Mcason@al.com, al, 9 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'septic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin septicus, from Greek sēptikos, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of septic was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near septic

Cite this Entry

“Septic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septic. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Medical Definition

septic

adjective
sep·​tic ˈsep-tik How to pronounce septic (audio)
1
2
: relating to, involving, caused by, or affected with sepsis
septic complications
septic arthritis
septic patients

More from Merriam-Webster on septic

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