Antiseptic vs. Disinfectant

Antisepticadjective

Of, or relating to antisepsis, or the use of antiseptics.

Antisepticadjective

Capable of preventing microbial infection.

Antisepticadjective

Very clean; aseptic.

Antisepticadjective

Free of unpleasantness; sanitized or bowdlerized.

Antisepticnoun

Any substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Generally includes only those that are used on living objects (as opposed to disinfectants) and aren't transported by the lymphatic system to destroy bacteria in the body (as opposed to antibiotics).

Antisepticadjective

Counteracting or preventing putrefaction, or a putrescent tendency in the system; antiputrefactive.

Antisepticnoun

a substance which kills or retards the growth of microorganisms, especially when used for protection against infection; a substance which prevents or retards putrefaction, or destroys, or protects from, putrefactive organisms; as, carbolic acid, alcohol, cinchona, and many other agents sold commercially.

Antisepticnoun

a substance that destroys micro-organisms that carry disease without harming body tissues

Antisepticadjective

thoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms;

Antisepticadjective

clean and honest;

Antisepticadjective

freeing from error or corruption;

Antisepticadjective

made free from live bacteria or other microorganisms;

Antisepticadjective

(extended sense) of exceptionally clean language;

Antiseptic

An antiseptic (from Greek ἀντί anti, and σηπτικός sēptikos, ) is an antimicrobial substance or compound that is applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Antiseptics are generally distinguished from antibiotics by the latter's ability to safely destroy bacteria within the body, and from disinfectants, which destroy microorganisms found on non-living objects.Antibacterials include antiseptics that have the proven ability to act against bacteria.

Disinfectantadjective

Serving to kill germs or viruses.

Disinfectantnoun

A substance that kills germs and/or viruses.

Disinfectantnoun

That which disinfects, especially an agent for killing or removing the microorganisms which cause infection. Commonly used disinfectants are chlorine, sodium hypochlorite solution, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol.

Disinfectantnoun

an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

Disinfectantadjective

preventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms

Disinfectantnoun

a chemical liquid that destroys bacteria

Disinfectantadjective

causing disinfection

Disinfectant

A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical or chemical process that kills all types of life.