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.
The recovery was mired in a mix of challenges, including widespread lack of sufficient insurance, the onset of the COVID pandemic, steep terrain, aging septic systems and sky-high construction costs. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 Add-ons: Central vacuum, standalone freezers, sprinklers, pool, spa, sump or well pump, septic system, roof leaks Coverage limits: $3,000 for AC/heating; $500 for electrical, plumbing and appliances; $400 for roof leaks. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025 Additionally, this year two new low-income grant options were implemented to help Carver County residents with failing septic systems. Helena Gunderson, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2024 Crain developed an infection and became septic, according to ProPublica. Randi Richardson, NBC News, 5 Nov. 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 Feb. 2025.

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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