septic

adjective

sep·​tic ˈsep-tik How to pronounce septic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for septic 

Word History

Etymology

Latin septicus, from Greek sēptikos, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of septic was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near septic

Cite this Entry

“Septic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septic. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

septic

adjective
sep·​tic ˈsep-tik How to pronounce septic (audio)
1
2
: relating to, involving, caused by, or affected with sepsis
septic complications
septic arthritis
septic patients

More from Merriam-Webster on septic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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