septic

adjective

sep·​tic ˈsep-tik 

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

Sewer line to the Amphitheater septic field shown. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Spray dry toilet paper with cleansing, soothing and refreshing Pristine to create an instant wet wipe that is actually flushable and safe for your sewer and septic systems. —ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

The key is to choose a product that's safe for your septic system while being specifically designed to tackle hard water stains. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

In Lowndes County, where Dhillon canceled the agreement to help install proper septic systems, residents are still struggling with sewage in their yards. —Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin septicus, from Greek sēptikos, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing septic

• go septic
• septic shock
• septic sore throat
• septic tank

Rhymes for septic

• peptic
• sceptic
• skeptic
• antiepileptic
• antiseptic
• epileptic
• neuroleptic
• aseptic
• dyspeptic
• organoleptic

Medical Definition

septic

adjective

sep·​tic ˈsep-tik 

1

: putrefactive

2

: relating to, involving, caused by, or affected with sepsis

septic complications

septic arthritis

septic patients