# antiseptic

/ˌæntəˈsɛptɪk/ (US) · /ˌæntɪsˈɛptɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antiseptic
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a substance that kills germs on the skin or in a wound to prevent infection. It is also used to describe a place that is very clean and has no smell.

For teachers: a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissue. In a figurative sense, it describes an environment or atmosphere that is sterile and devoid of character or emotion.

## Examples

- The nurse cleaned the cut with an antiseptic.
- After the surgery, the patient was moved to a room treated with a strong antiseptic to prevent any bacterial growth.
- The hospital corridor had a cold, antiseptic smell that made the visitors feel like they were entering a world where human warmth had been entirely replaced by clinical efficiency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.