Antisepsis
/ˌæn.tiˈsɛp.sɪs/noun
The prevention of infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from the Greek root for rot, so antisepsis is, in origin, a linguistic spell against corruption and decay.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
antí
“against, opposite to”
Ancient Greek
Gk
sēpsis
“putrefaction, decay, rotting”
Late 19th Century
English
antisepsis
“the prevention of sepsis or putrefaction in wounds and surgical practice”
Modern English
English
antisepsis
“the prevention of infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms”