1. An agent that reduces or prevents contamination; especially, by eliminating or reducing the growth of microorganisms that cause scourge or decay: Antiseptics prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms without damaging living tissues.
2. A substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of any disease-causing microorganisms; free of contamination or pollution: Health specialists say that the best antiseptic against illnesses and infection is a thorough hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds; especially, whenever one is exposed to things handled by other people; such as, shopping carts or baskets.

One researcher said that people would be safer if they use a disinfectant or an antiseptic to wite the handle of the shopping cart just before they use it.

Researchers say they actually found more fecal bacteria on grocery cart handles than those that are normally found in some bathrooms, primarily because many bathrooms are disinfected more often than an antiseptic is used on the shopping cart handles.

1. A reference to chemicals that are used to prevent the growth of illness-causing microorganisms without damaging living tissues: Antiseptic procedures are used externally to treat infected wounds.
2. Free of disturbing or unpleasant features; sanitized: The historian wrote a revised antiseptic version of the history of Roman times.

A means of washing, especially of a hollow organ, such as the stomach or lower bowel, with repeated injections of warm water mixed with an antiseptic or antifungal solution: Antiseptic lavages are commonly used as a treatment to pericoronitis of wisdom teeth; or inflammation of the gingivae (gums) surrounding the crowns of teeth.