antiseptics
|an-ti-sep-tics|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈsɛp.tɪks/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tɪˈsɛp.tɪks/
(antiseptic)
preventing infection
Etymology
'antiseptic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antiseptikos', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'sepsis' meant 'putrefaction'.
'antiseptic' changed through Late Latin 'antisepticus' and French 'antiseptique' and entered modern English in the 19th century as 'antiseptic'.
Initially, it meant 'acting against putrefaction', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'preventing infection by acting against microbes'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'antiseptic': chemical agents or preparations applied to living tissue (skin, wounds, mucous membranes) to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting microorganisms.
Hospitals keep a supply of antiseptics for cleaning wounds and preparing skin before surgery.
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Noun 2
products or solutions (often commercially sold) used to prevent sepsis or infection in minor wounds, cuts, or on the skin; may emphasize consumer or topical preparations.
She bought several antiseptics to put in the first-aid kit.
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Last updated: 2025/09/09 22:56