What is the antonym of “asepsis”?
The antonyms of asepsis are infection and contamination. The antonyms infection and contamination convey a negative state of being unclean or infected. They imply the presence of harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or illness.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infection
The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to disease or illness.
Example
He got an infection after getting a cut on his leg while playing football.
contamination
The presence or introduction of harmful substances or microorganisms into an environment or substance.
Example
The water supply was shut down due to contamination from sewage.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Infection refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms in the body that can cause disease or illness.
- 2Contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in an environment or substance.
Good things to know
- 1Medical Settings: Use these antonyms to describe the state of a wound or surgical site.
- 2Food Safety: Use these antonyms to describe the state of food or water that is not safe for consumption.
- 3Environmental Health: Use these antonyms to describe the state of an environment that is not safe for human habitation.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Infection refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms in the body, while contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances or microorganisms in an environment or substance. Use these words in medical settings, food safety, and environmental health to describe the state of a wound, surgical site, food, water, or environment.
