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

Current license holders will have to reapply and adhere to stricter regulations, which can include expensive septic upgrades. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024

According to the legislation, vehicles exempt from penalties include school buses, public transportation vehicles, emergency vehicles, government vehicles, moving company vehicles, septic service trucks, tree service trucks, trash and recycling trucks, and package delivery vehicles. —Ben Terzi, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2024

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

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