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

This can happen if someone has nasal congestion from things like a cold or the flu, allergies, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps.2 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is also one reason mouth taping is not recommended for people with OSA. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2026

The obstacle could be a deviated septum. —Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026

Slip one of them onto your septum, and you’ll be instantly transported to a luxe spa or lavender field.. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026

This may involve correcting a deviated septum and reducing the turbinates either by cauterization or by outfracture in order to improve airflow. —Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

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