noun
antiseptic
an-tee-SEHP-tihk
noun
1
A substance applied to skin or wounds to stop the growth of germs and prevent infection.
"She dabbed antiseptic on the scrape before covering it with a plaster."
adj
1
Preventing infection by stopping the growth of germs.
"The nurse cleaned the wound with an antiseptic solution."
How to Use Antiseptic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that kills germs on skin or wounds, unlike a disinfectant used on surfaces.
Common mistake
Antiseptics are for skin and living tissue; disinfectants are for surfaces and objects — they aren't interchangeable.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
antiseptics plural
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She dabbed _____ on the scrape before covering it with a plaster.
Etymology
Built from anti- ("against") and septic (relating to infection or decay).