antiseptic
Pronunciation
Adjective
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
Preventing infection by killing harmful bacteria, or overly clean and lacking warmth.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
sterile
Antonyms
septic
Usage notes
Used figuratively for a place that feels sterile or impersonal, as in "an antiseptic office."
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "She cleaned the cut with an _____ wipe before applying the bandage."
Answer: antiseptic
In your own words, what does "antiseptic" mean?
Preventing infection by killing harmful bacteria, or overly clean and lacking warmth.
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