septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm 

plural septa ˈsep-tə 

: 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

Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more! Symptoms of a perforated septum can include dryness and crusting inside the nose, a dip in the bridge of the nose, nosebleeds, runny nose and a whistling sound when someone breathes through their nose, per Cleveland Clinic. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

The student in question kicked Nagle in the face after throwing shoes at her, causing damage to her nasal cartilage and requiring her to undergo reconstructive surgery for a deviated septum. —IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025

Nasal problems: Narrow nasal airways or a deviated septum can increase the risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and subsequent dry mouth.8 4. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025

This danger could be especially serious for people dealing with any number of common respiratory troubles, including sinonasal disease, enlarged tonsils, hay fever, chronic rhinitis, or a deviated septum. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 May 2025

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

Kids Definition

septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm 

plural septa -tə 

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue

Medical Definition

septum

noun

sep·​tum ˈsep-təm 

plural septa -tə 

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue: as

a

: nasal septum

b

: crural septum