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antiseptic
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antiseptic

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antiseptic, any of several substances used to slow or inhibit the growth of infectious microorganisms. Antiseptics are applied to external body surfaces, such as when treating minor wounds, when cleaning the skin prior to an injection, and when cleaning the hands. They commonly are used in hospitals, particularly before medical procedures, and in places such as schools and day care centres. Examples include ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, and quaternary ammonium compound. See antimicrobial agent.

(Read Alexander Fleming’s 1929 Britannica essay on antiseptics.)

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.