septic
UK[ˈseptɪk]US[ˈseptɪk]
adj
relating to or caused by harmful bacteria that produce infection and pus
adj
(of a wound or part of the body) infected with harmful bacteria
Morpheme Breakdown
sept
ic
sept
rotten, putrid
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'septic' originates from the greek verb 'sēpein', meaning 'to make rotten or putrid'. this root passed into latin as 'septicus', an adjective describing something that causes decay. the '-ic' suffix, a common adjectival ending from greek and latin, was attached to denote the characteristic quality. thus, the literal meaning 'characterized by rot' evolved into the modern medical term for a state of infection caused by putrefactive bacteria.
Analysis
Structure: sept (rotten, putrid) + ic (adjective suffix)
sept is from latin 'septicus', from greek 'sēptikos' (putrefactive), from 'sēpein' (to make rotten). ic is a suffix of greek origin via latin '-icus', forming adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characterized by'.
Examples
the cut became septic and required antibiotic treatment.
septic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by a severe bodily response to infection.
they installed a septic tank to handle the household wastewater.