a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
a substance that destroys micro-organisms that carry disease without harming body tissues
(extended sense) of exceptionally clean language; "lyrics as antiseptic as Sunday School"
clean and honest; "antiseptic financial practices"
thoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms; "doctors in antiseptic green coats"; "the antiseptic effect of alcohol"; "it is said that marjoram has antiseptic qualities"
made free from live bacteria or other microorganisms; "sterilized instruments"
freeing from error or corruption; "the antiseptic effect of sturdy criticism"