| 释义 |
antiseptic, a. and n.|æntɪˈsɛptɪk|
[f. anti- 3 + Gr. σηπτικ-ός putrefying, f. σηπτός rotten, f. σήπ-ειν to rot.]
A. adj.
1. Counteracting putrefaction; antiputrescent.
1751Gentl. Mag. 557 Myrrh in a watery menstruum was 12 times more antiseptic than sea salt. 1774Priestley Observ. Air 228 This remarkable antiseptic power of nitrous air. 1871Tyndall Fragm. Sc. (ed. 6) I. v. 155 He surrounds the wound..with antiseptic bandages.
2. fig. Preventing moral decay.
1820Southey Wesley I. 204 In some such abominations Moravianism might have ended..where there was no antiseptic influence of surrounding circumstances to preserve it from putrescence. 1850Carlyle Latter-d. Pamph. viii. (1872) 261 Not divine men, yet useful antiseptic products of their generation.
B. n.
1. (sc. agent.)
1751Gentl. Mag. Dec. 557 Acids per se are most powerful antiseptics. 1871G. H. Napheys Prev. & Cure Dis. ii. iv. 521 The charcoal poultice is an excellent antiseptic.
2. fig.
1825Bentham Ration. Reward 175 A salary proportionate to the wants of the functionary operates as a kind of moral antiseptic, or preservative. 1849H. Rogers Ess. II. vi. 299 Johnson..speaks of an author's choosing a theme of enduring interest, if he would be remembered..Alas! we fear this is but an insufficient antiseptic. |