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

Officials said the findings were indicative of failing septic systems creating runoff into the surface waters. — Christin Lazerus, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

During production, technical difficulties—including the failure of the septic system at her home, where the show was being filmed—made the experience unenjoyable. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026

PennEnvironment's report said contamination from sewage overflow, septic systems and manure from farms can carry bacteria into waterways. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

The state and county allege the facility could overwhelm the property’s septic system, disturb hazardous materials and cause other environmental harm. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 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