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

Thurman became septic in the hospital due to excess tissue in her uterus that did not shed from her body itself, causing a serious infection. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024

Well contamination is a serious problem that can be caused by agricultural runoff, a leaking septic system, or rampant bacterial growth in the area. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2024

The main bungalows have bathrooms while the smaller ones share facilities, all of which are connected to an organic septic waste system, said Kvech. —Marylou Costa, Contributor, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024

Michigan is widely known as the only state without a statewide law governing septic system maintenance. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 19 Sep. 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