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septic tank
noun
: a tank in which the solid matter of continuously flowing sewage is disintegrated by bacteria
Examples of septic tank in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Swerdlow would also pay an additional $1 million over 10 years to Miami-Dade, plus another $1 million to a fund that helps homeowners with septic tanks pay for hooking up their plumbing to the county sewer system.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 14 May 2024
Most septic tanks at the hundreds of lodges located throughout the national park and buffer zone leak, further polluting groundwater.
—Alton C. Byers, The Conversation, 1 May 2024
One by one, the devastating environmental implications are laid bare: the possibility of wildfires caused by unattended barbecue pits, a septic tank whose placement will pollute the village’s water supply.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 May 2024
Nitrate's health risks pose worries Nitrate forms when oxygen combines with nitrogen-rich sources like fertilizer, manure or waste from septic tanks.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024
The lifespan of a septic tank is based on usage and maintenance, and Rai warns that replacing it can be very costly.
—Terri Williams, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
But every day, more people join them from other parts of the city, further straining what few resources the site provides – the building’s septic tank is full and the toilets backed up, one resident showed CNN.
—Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
The harmful pollutant has leached into water in many parts of the valley from sources including fertilizers, dairies and septic tanks.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024
Size: 80 oz | Use: Dissolves drain clogs in PVC pipes, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic tanks | Scented?
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'septic tank.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1896, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near septic tank
Cite this Entry
“Septic tank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septic%20tank. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
septic tank
noun
: a tank in which solid sewage is broken down by bacteria
More from Merriam-Webster on septic tank
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about septic tank
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