* * *
* * *
an·ti·sep·tic .ant-ə-'sep-tik 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 -ti-k(ə-)lē adv
antiseptic n a substance (as hydrogen peroxide) that checks the growth or action of microorganisms esp. in or on living tissue also GERMICIDE
* * *
n.
a chemical that destroys or inhibits the growth of disease-causing bacteria and other microorganisms and is sufficiently nontoxic to be applied to the skin or mucous membranes to cleanse wounds and prevent infections or to be used internally to treat infections of the intestine and bladder. Examples are cetrimide, chlorhexidine, dequalinium, and methenamine.
* * *
an·ti·sep·tic (an″tĭ-sepґtik) 1. pertaining to antisepsis. 2. preventing decay or putrefaction. 3. a substance that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms without necessarily killing them. Cf. disinfectant.Medical dictionary. 2011.