antiseptic

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a substance applied to living tissue to prevent or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms

   The nurse cleaned the cut with antiseptic before covering it.

2. 2
   adj

   preventing infection by destroying or limiting microorganisms

   The surgeon followed strict antiseptic procedures in the operating room.

3. 3
   adj

   extremely clean but impersonal, bare, or lacking warmth

   The office looked antiseptic under its bright white lights.

Formed from anti-, 'against,' and septic, ultimately from Greek sēptikós, 'causing putrefaction,' from sḗpein, 'to make rotten.' The medical term arose for agents and practices intended to prevent putrefaction and infection.

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