Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. 1 A small-scale watertight treatment system for domestic sewage in which the flow is slowed to allow sedimentation and sludge digestion by bacteria to take place. 2 (context Cockney rhyming slang Australian rhyming slang English) Yank (gloss: American person)
WordNet
n. large tank where solid matter or sewage is disintegrated by bacteria
Wikipedia
A septic tank is a key component of a septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas that lack connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations. Other components, generally controlled by local governments, may include pumps, alarms, sand filters, and clarified liquid effluent disposal methods such as a septic drain field, ponds, natural stone fiber filter plants or peat moss beds.
Septic systems are a type of onsite sewage facility (OSSF). In North America, approximately 25 percent of the population relies on septic tanks, including some suburbs and small towns as well as rural areas. Indianapolis is one example of a large city where many of the city's neighborhoods still rely on separate septic systems. In Europe, septic systems are generally limited to rural areas. Since septic systems require large drainfields, they are not suitable for densely built cities.
The term "septic" refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank which decomposes or mineralizes the waste discharged into the tank. Septic tanks can be coupled with other onsite wastewater treatment units such as biofilters or aerobic systems involving artificially forced aeration.
Periodic preventive maintenance is required to remove solids that remain and gradually fill the tank, reducing its efficiency. Maintenance requires regular pumping to remove these. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, in the United States it is the home owners' responsibility to maintain their septic systems. Anyone who ignores this requirement will eventually be faced with costly repairs when solids escape the tank and clog the clarified liquid effluent disposal system.
Usage examples of "septic tank".
In addition, behind several locked doors with security daemons, the elite of the Septic Tank worked and played.
The Strawa showman to the endhad been buried in a silk-lined septic tank.
There was also a bodacious septic tank that was as long as our outer wall.
He'd been told that the second septic tank on the other side of the house was too old, too small.
Harvey and Maureen would have to come to terms with Colorado Springs when they got back from visiting a septic tank in Tujunga.
There is a wealth of knowledge lying here and it ought not to be shoved down a septic tank until we know more about it.
We are going ahead with building and have the foundation in, the services in, and the septic tank built, but I shall have to shut down the job again and wait if monies do not come in.
Even the septic tank had to be set well away, in case any sludge got to the tree roots&mdash.
And secondly, sure you can come with me, if you don't mind crawling through the septic tank and up nine metres of effluent pipe.