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 Outraged after city officials gave them less than a day’s notice before shutting off their electricity, a group of handymen banded together last weekend to put in place a septic system along with solar panels and generators for energy supply. Emma Tucker, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024 Ten days after the procedure, Swanson developed a serious infection in her knee that produced symptoms of a septic joint, requiring emergency surgery. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2024 Reactive arthritis and septic arthritis are two types of arthritis that can develop following an infection. Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 21 July 2024 The Missoula County community’s reluctance to come up with a plan to replace its septic system means no affordable housing can be built for working people. Sean Keane, ABC News, 20 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for septic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'septic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 17 Sep. 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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