antiseptic
Antiseptic (noun) means a substance applied to skin or wounds to stop the growth of germs and prevent infection. Example: “She dabbed antiseptic on the scrape before covering it with a plaster.”
How to use antiseptic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that kills germs on skin or wounds, unlike a disinfectant used on surfaces.
Antiseptics are for skin and living tissue; disinfectants are for surfaces and objects — they aren't interchangeable.
Word forms
antiseptics plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She dabbed _____ on the scrape before covering it with a plaster.
Etymology
Built from anti- ("against") and septic (relating to infection or decay).
Rhymes for antiseptic
See all rhymes for antiseptic →Frequently asked questions
What does “antiseptic” mean?
The word “antiseptic” means a substance applied to skin or wounds to stop the growth of germs and prevent infection. In plain terms, something that kills germs on skin or wounds, unlike a disinfectant used on surfaces.
How do you pronounce “antiseptic”?
“Antiseptic” is pronounced an-tee-SEHP-tihk (/ˌæntiˈsɛptɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “antiseptic” in a sentence?
Here is “antiseptic” used in a sentence: “She dabbed antiseptic on the scrape before covering it with a plaster.”
What part of speech is “antiseptic”?
Depending on how it is used, “antiseptic” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “antiseptic” come from?
The word “antiseptic” comes from Latin. Built from anti- ("against") and septic (relating to infection or decay).
How many meanings does “antiseptic” have?
“Antiseptic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance applied to skin or wounds to stop the growth of germs and prevent infection.