'aseptic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aseptikos', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'septikos' (from 'sepein') meant 'putrefactive' or 'to rot'.

'aseptic' entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'asepticus' and French 'aseptique', and the adverb 'aseptically' was formed later in English from the adjective.

Initially it meant 'not putrefying' or 'preventing decay', but over time it evolved into the current sense of 'preventing infection or contamination'.