What does septic mean?
Septic is an adjective meaning connected with infection, particularly infection by harmful microorganisms. In medicine, it can describe a condition caused by sepsis, such as septic shock, or a person or wound affected by a serious infection. The word is also associated with the presence of pus, although not every infection is septic in that narrower sense. Its use is primarily clinical and technical, but the adjective can convey the broader idea of contamination, deterioration, or something likely to cause infection. Septic is especially important when describing a wound or a patient whose infection has spread through the bloodstream. In environmental and sanitation contexts, the related phrase ‘septic tank’ refers to a system in which waste is broken down by bacteria.
adjectiveCausing or resulting from infection, especially infection with harmful microorganisms; affected by sepsis. It may also mean infected with pus.
- Relating to or causing infection, especially a dangerous infection caused by bacteria or other microorganisms.
- Infected with harmful microorganisms and often producing pus.
"The patient developed septic shock after the wound became infected."
"Doctors treated the septic patient with intravenous antibiotics."
"A septic wound requires prompt medical attention."
Septic comes from the Greek verb sepein, meaning ‘to make rotten’—a fitting origin for a word associated with infection and decay.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does septic come from?
English ‘septic’ comes through Latin from Greek roots associated with sepein, ‘to make rotten’, and sepsis, ‘putrefaction’ or ‘infection’. The word entered English in the early 17th century in medical writing, where it described processes associated with infection and decomposition. Its modern relatives include sepsis, septicaemia, and the American variant septicemia.
Related word forms
How septic is actually used
Chiefly medical and technical. In clinical use, ‘septic’ can describe infection, sepsis, or a condition caused by sepsis; ‘septicaemia’ is the traditional British term and ‘septicemia’ is the traditional American term for bloodstream infection.
Easily confused with septic
Septic is medical, meaning related to infection, whereas sceptic means someone who doubts a claim or belief.