ANTISEPTIC

Antiseptic

Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Antiseptics are generally distinguished from antibiotics by the latter's ability to be transported through the lymphatic system to destroy bacteria within the body, and from disinfectants, which destroy microorganisms found on non-living objects.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Antiseptic
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

antiseptic

Noun

  1. Any substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Generally includes only those that are used on living objects (as opposed to disinfectants) and aren't transported by the lymphatic system to destroy bacteria in the body (as opposed to antibiotics).

Adjective

  1. Of, or relating to antisepsis, or the use of antiseptics.
  2. Capable of preventing microbial infection.
  3. Very clean; aseptic.
  4. Free of unpleasantness; sanitized or bowdlerized.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: antiseptic
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!