C1 adjective Formal

nonputic

/ˌnɒnˈpjuːtɪk/

Describing a substance, condition, or environment that is not subject to or does not cause putrefaction or bacterial decay. It is typically used in specialized scientific or medical contexts to denote the absence of organic decomposition.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The dried herbs remained in a nonputic state throughout the long winter months.

The dried herbs stayed in a state free from decay during the long winter.

2

Initial observations confirmed that the biological specimen was nonputic, suggesting successful preservation.

First observations showed the biological sample was not decaying, which meant it was preserved well.

3

It's weird how this old sandwich is still nonputic after sitting in my locker for days.

It is strange that this old sandwich hasn't started rotting after being in my locker for days.

Word Family

Noun
nonputicity
Adverb
nonputically
Adjective
nonputic
Related
putrefaction
💡

Memory Tip

Break it down: 'Non' (not) + 'Put' (as in putrid/stinky rot). If it's nonputic, it's not putrid.

Quick Quiz

The mummy was found in a remarkably ________ state, likely due to the extreme dryness of the desert tomb.

Correct!

The correct answer is: nonputic

Examples

1

The dried herbs remained in a nonputic state throughout the long winter months.

everyday

The dried herbs stayed in a state free from decay during the long winter.

2

Initial observations confirmed that the biological specimen was nonputic, suggesting successful preservation.

formal

First observations showed the biological sample was not decaying, which meant it was preserved well.

3

It's weird how this old sandwich is still nonputic after sitting in my locker for days.

informal

It is strange that this old sandwich hasn't started rotting after being in my locker for days.

4

The experiment required a strictly nonputic environment to prevent cross-contamination of the cultures.

academic

The experiment needed a completely decay-free environment to stop the cultures from being contaminated.

5

Our logistics team must ensure that the organic shipments remain nonputic during the three-week voyage.

business

Our shipping team needs to make sure the organic cargo does not rot during the three-week trip.

Word Family

Noun
nonputicity
Adverb
nonputically
Adjective
nonputic
Related
putrefaction

Common Collocations

nonputic environment An environment free from bacterial decay.
remained nonputic Stayed in a state without rotting.
nonputic tissue Biological tissue that is not decomposing.
strictly nonputic Completely free of any putrefaction.
nonputic conditions Conditions that prevent organic decomposition.

Common Phrases

nonputic by nature

Inherently resistant to decay.

rendered nonputic

Treated so that it will not rot.

a nonputic sample

A specimen that shows no signs of decomposition.

Often Confused With

nonputic vs septic

Septic refers to infection by bacteria, whereas putic refers specifically to the process of rotting or putrefaction.

nonputic vs putrid

Putrid is the state of being decayed and smelling foul, while nonputic is the technical negation of that state.

📝

Usage Notes

This is a highly technical term rarely found outside of biology, forensics, or advanced medical texts. It is almost always used to describe the lack of a specific biological process (putrefaction) rather than general cleanliness.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse it with 'antiseptic'; while related, 'nonputic' describes the state of the object itself, while 'antiseptic' often describes the agent that prevents the state.

💡

Memory Tip

Break it down: 'Non' (not) + 'Put' (as in putrid/stinky rot). If it's nonputic, it's not putrid.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'putere' (to rot or stink), combined with the English prefix 'non-' and the suffix '-ic'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'be'. Usually does not take comparative or superlative forms (rare to say 'more nonputic').

Quick Quiz

The mummy was found in a remarkably ________ state, likely due to the extreme dryness of the desert tomb.

Correct!

The correct answer is: nonputic

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B2

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