antiseptic

What does “antiseptic” mean?

adjective.scrupulously clean or pure; preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

SAT Usage

The term is often found in passages related to health, hygiene, or scientific discussions. It emphasizes a rigorous standard of cleanliness and safety, particularly in medical or laboratory contexts, distinguishing it from similar words like "sterile," which suggests complete absence of all microorganisms rather than just a high level of cleanliness.

Common Confusions

Antiseptic implies a high standard of cleanliness that prevents the growth of microorganisms, while sterile usually suggests a complete absence of all microorganisms.

Example Sentences

• The nurse cleaned the wound with an antiseptic solution.

• The hospital room had an antiseptic smell that reminded her of cleanliness.

Word Parts: How to Remember “antiseptic”

Break “antiseptic” into its parts: anti- (against). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: anti- against (Greek)