# septum

/sˈɛptəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/septum
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. anatomy

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a thin wall of bone or tissue that separates two cavities in the body, such as the nostrils in the nose.

For teachers: a partition separating two cavities or masses of softer tissue in an organism, most frequently the nasal septum.

- He had surgery to fix a deviated septum that made it hard for him to breathe.
- The surgeon corrected the deviated nasal septum to improve the patient's airflow and resolve chronic sinus infections.

Usage: Often used with the adjectives 'nasal' or 'deviated' in medical contexts.

### 2. piercing

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a type of jewelry or piercing that goes through the wall between your nostrils.

For teachers: a colloquial reference to a septum piercing or the jewelry worn within the nasal partition.

- She decided to get a small silver ring for her new septum piercing.
- The popularity of the septum as a site for body modification has grown significantly within urban subcultures over the last decade.

Teaching tip: In casual conversation, people often say 'my septum' to mean 'my septum piercing'.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the patient's nasal septum for any signs of infection.
- During the surgery, the surgeon carefully realigned the nasal septum to improve the patient's breathing and appearance.
- The structural integrity of the nasal septum is crucial for maintaining proper airflow and preventing chronic sinus infections, as it serves as the primary divider of the nasal passages.

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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.