septic (adj.)

c. 1600, "of or pertaining to sepsis; putrefaction, putrefying," from Latin septicus "of or pertaining to putrefaction," from Greek sēptikos "characterized by putrefaction," from sēptos, verbal adjective of sēpein "make rotten or putrid, cause to rot" (see sepsis). In modern use especially of infections or diseases caused by putrefaction. Septic tank is attested from 1902.

updated on May 14, 2022