antiseptic

From anti- +‎ septic.

• IPA^(key): /ˌæntiˈsɛptɪk/

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antiseptic (comparative more antiseptic, superlative most antiseptic)

1. Of, or relating to antisepsis, or the use of antiseptics.
2. (pharmacology) Capable of preventing microbial infection.
3. Very clean; aseptic.
4. Free of unpleasantness; prim, sanitized or bowdlerized.
   • 1991 May 4, Mary Dowd, “Risky Business”, in Gay Community News, page 7:

     This judicious representation of brutality, domestic violence and struggle empowers women trying to break the shame and fear propagated by the antiseptic whitewashing of conventional media.

   • 2001, John Allen, A Touch of Uncertainty:

     Forget all those Christmas cards with their ideal scenarios and antiseptic smiles. Stables are filthy and they stink […]

antiseptic (plural antiseptics)

1. (pharmacology) 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).

• hand antiseptic

• antibacterial
• antibiotic

• psittacine

Borrowed from French antiseptique.

antiseptic n (plural antiseptici)

1. antiseptic, germicide