adj 1 a  :  opposing sepsis, putrefaction, or decay : esp  :  preventing or arresting the growth of microorganisms (as on living tissue)  b  :  acting or protecting like an antiseptic  2  :  relating to or characterized by the use of antiseptics  3  :  free of living microorganisms  :  scrupulously clean  :  ASEPTIC an*ti*sep*ti*cal*ly adv 
, n :  a substance that checks the growth or action of microorganisms esp. in or on living tissue : also  :  GERMICIDE .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.