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

Chlorine bleach is also harmful to plants and should be diverted with any other harmful products to the sewer or septic system. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025

Doctors discovered that the infection in his ankle had led to septic arthritis in his joints, medical records show. —Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

In addition, the septic system is oversized, allowing for expansion if the next owner wishes. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025

Bear Warriors United asked Mendoza to halt construction of new septic systems until an incidental-take permit was in place. —News Service Of Florida, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 May 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