septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm How to pronounce septum (audio)
plural septa ˈsep-tə How to pronounce septum (audio)
: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue compare dissepiment

Examples of septum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Issues like a deviated septum or enlarged adenoids may require surgery, says Dr. Silvera. Samantha Leal, Allure, 19 Sep. 2023 Surgery can correct abnormal anatomical structures, such as a deviated septum and nasal polyps, that cause sinus pressure.2 10. Sarah Bradley, Health, 31 Aug. 2023 And some jewelry designers are offering septum and lip creations to ensure the public’s gaze doesn’t stray. John Eligon Joao Silva, New York Times, 29 June 2023 If most people who get their deviated septum fixed immediately report fewer allergy problems, my respiratory problems will get worse. Joe Queenan, WSJ, 18 Feb. 2021 Abraham previously faced backlash from the mom shamers when Sophia got a septum piercing for her 13th birthday last year. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2023 Michael Breus PhD, a clinical psychologist and sleep expert, has reservations as well, as mouth breathing itself is generally a sign of something limiting a person's ability to nose-breathe, like allergies or a nasal obstruction such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps. Jaclyn Smock, Allure, 10 Feb. 2023 Is a septum piercing painful? Leah Campano, Seventeen, 30 Jan. 2023 In one case, an 18-year-old man went into severe respiratory distress during a surgery to repair a deviated septum. Dallas News, 9 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'septum.' 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

New Latin, from Latin saeptum enclosure, fence, wall, from saepire to fence in, from saepes fence, hedge

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of septum was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near septum

Cite this Entry

“Septum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septum. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

septum

noun
sep·​tum ˈsep-təm How to pronounce septum (audio)
plural septa -tə How to pronounce septum (audio)
: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue

Medical Definition

septum

noun
sep·​tum ˈsep-təm How to pronounce septum (audio)
plural septa -tə How to pronounce septum (audio)
: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue: as

More from Merriam-Webster on septum

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