Antiseptics

/ˌæntɪˈsɛptɪks/ noun

Definition

Substances or agents that prevent or inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms on living tissues.

Etymology

Plural of 'antiseptic', from Greek 'anti-' (against) plus 'sepsis' (decay/infection), plus the suffix '-ic' to make it an adjective that functions as a noun.

Kelly Says

Common antiseptics like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine are so familiar we barely think about them—yet they represent centuries of scientific discovery, from the accidental finding of penicillin to deliberate molecular design.

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