Antiseptic
/ˌæn.tiˈsep.tɪk/noun
A substance or treatment that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek roots used in medicine long before modern germ theory, so its history is literally a battle against corruption and decay.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
antiséptikos
“opposed to putrefaction or decay”
Late Greek
Gk
antiseptikós
“used against putrefaction”
19th Century
English
antiseptic
“a substance that prevents putrefaction, especially in wounds”
Modern English
English
antiseptic
“preventing infection or the growth of harmful microbes; also, very clean or clinical in appearance”
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