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septic tank
noun
: a tank in which the solid matter of continuously flowing sewage is disintegrated by bacteria
Examples of septic tank in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In heavy rains, septic tanks overflow, flooding the streets and spreading disease.
—Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
There was already electricity, water and a septic tank.
—Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Water from sewage and septic tanks can accidentally enter bodies of freshwater due to inadequate water treatment, corroded infrastructure, storm water runoff, and accidents.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 Oct. 2024
Glory be to god for septic tanks, drainage pipes:
for conversions thermodynamic and of the soul.
—Virginia Konchan, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1896, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near septic tank
Cite this Entry
“Septic tank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septic%20tank. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
septic tank
noun
: a tank in which solid sewage is broken down by bacteria
More from Merriam-Webster on septic tank
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about septic tank
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