antiseptic etymology

Etymology:

The word "antiseptic" is derived from the Greek words:

• "anti": against
• "septikos": causing decay or putrefaction

Meaning:

An antiseptic is a chemical substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, especially those that cause sepsis or infection. It is applied to living tissue to prevent or treat infection.

Origin:

The term "antiseptic" was first used in the 19th century by the Scottish surgeon Joseph Lister. Lister developed a method of preventing surgical infections by spraying a carbolic acid solution (phenol) onto wounds and surgical instruments. This method revolutionized surgery and led to a significant reduction in postoperative infections.

Before Lister's work, the prevailing belief was that infections were caused by miasma, or bad air. Surgeons often operated in unhygienic conditions, resulting in high rates of infection and death. Lister's antiseptic practices challenged this theory and paved the way for the development of modern infection control measures.

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