antiseptic
antiseptic Lexical Profile
antiseptic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms; relating to or denoting substances that prevent infection in wounds.
"The nurse cleaned the scrape with an antiseptic wipe before applying the bandage."
Scrupulously clean or pure, especially to the point of feeling cold, sterile, and lacking warmth or character.
"The modern office building had an antiseptic atmosphere, with bare white walls and harsh fluorescent lighting."
• noun
A chemical substance or solution applied to living tissue, such as skin or wounds, to destroy or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
"Always keep a bottle of antiseptic in your first-aid kit to treat minor cuts and burns."
Word Nuance & Usage
In medical and hygienic contexts, an 'antiseptic' is applied to living tissue (such as skin or wounds) to prevent infection, whereas a 'disinfectant' is applied to non-living surfaces and objects.
• Rhymes for antiseptic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-18th century from the prefix 'anti-' (against) and 'septic', deriving from Ancient Greek 'septikos' (putrefying), from 'sepein' (to make rotten).