adj. 1 of the conditions that affect health, esp. with regard to dirt and infection. 2 hygienic; free from or designed to kill germs, infection, etc. sanitary engineer a person dealing with systems needed to maintain public health. sanitary towel (US napkin) an absorbent pad used during menstruation. sanitary ware porcelain for lavatories etc. sanitarian n. & adj. sanitarily adv. sanitariness n.
[ F sanitaire f. L sanitas: see SANITY ]