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

There was no running water or septic system on the property, and the group appeared to be burning trash in a pit. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026

One of those threats comes from aging septic systems. —Iuliia Istratiy, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026

Well Pump Wine Room / Wine Cellar Across the home warranty industry, septic system and well pump coverage adds an average of $5 to $10 per month, and pools and spa coverage can range from $8 each to more than $25 per month for the pair. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025

Not all toilet paper is septic-safe. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 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