septic tank

[ sep-tik tangk ]

noun

1. a tank, often underground, in which organic sewage is decomposed and purified by anaerobic bacteria.

septic tank

noun

1. a tank, usually below ground, for containing sewage to be decomposed by anaerobic bacteria

Word History and Origins

Origin of septic tank¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Individual council districts have attempted to deal with the proliferation of RVs with a hodgepodge of services from emptying out dirty septic tanks weekly to offering housing programs.

From Los Angeles Times

Her body was found in a septic tank in 2012 after the 21-year-old had apparently been spotted with a group of British soldiers on a night out.

From BBC

That includes sewage from overflows, United Utilities works, private sewage treatment facilities and septic tanks.

From BBC

The harmful pollutant has leached into water in many parts of the valley from sources including fertilizers, dairies and septic tanks.

From Los Angeles Times

Firefighters rescued a woman who fell about 25 feet into an out-of-use septic tank in Fontana on Thursday morning, authorities announced, adding that she was conscious throughout the ordeal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cesspool
• sewer