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

Sample tests with high bacteria level results at Avila Beach could have been caused by pollution from leaking septic systems, sewer line failures, animal agriculture, pets and wildlife, according to the Surfrider Foundation. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Fertilizer, septic systems and animal waste all feed into the water. — Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026

Don’t plant small trees closer than 20 feet to a septic drain field. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

There is an oversize three-car garage, a security system, central air conditioning, hydro air and oil heat, propane service for both the outdoor grill and kitchen range, a septic system and a private well. — Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 26 July 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