Septum is a partition that divides two cavities or parts of a certain structure. The term is primarily used in anatomy and biology. For example, a septum is found in the nose, heart, brain, certain plants, and fungi.

In everyday speech, the word "septum" is also used to refer to the piercing of the nasal septum or the jewelry for such a piercing. This is a common, though not entirely accurate, meaning: from an anatomical perspective, the septum is the partition itself, not the earring.

The word comes from the Latin septum, or saeptum, meaning "fence," "partition," "that which separates." It is associated with the Latin verb saepire, meaning "to enclose" or "to surround."

The origin of the word well conveys its primary meaning: a septum separates one cavity or part of a structure from another.

When it comes to the human body, the nasal or cardiac septum is most often referred to.

Nasal septum, or nasal partition, divides the nasal cavity into right and left parts. It consists of a cartilaginous and bony part, covered by mucous membrane. If the septum is noticeably deviated from the midline, it is referred to as a deviation. It does not always cause problems, but in some cases, it can complicate breathing.

In the heart, the septa separate the right chambers from the left. The interatrial septum is located between the atria, while the interventricular septum is between the ventricles. In a normally formed heart, they prevent the blood flows from the right and left sides from directly mixing.

Septums are also found in other parts of the body. This word can refer to thin partitions between tissues, cavities, or specific areas of an organ. In biology, septums also refer to partitions in the hyphae of fungi, the fruits of plants, and other structures.

Septum piercing is a puncture in the lower part of the nasal septum between the nostrils. In colloquial language, the word "septum" often refers to both the puncture itself and the jewelry inserted into it.

The common belief that cartilage must be pierced during the procedure is not entirely correct. Usually, the puncture is made in the thin area of soft tissue between the lower edge of the cartilage of the nasal septum and the columella—the tissue at the lower part of the nose between the nostrils. Piercers often refer to this area as the sweet spot. Its location and thickness depend on the individual structure of the nose, so the correct puncture site should be determined by an experienced master.

For septum piercing, rings, clicker rings, circulars in the shape of a horseshoe, and other jewelry are used. The circular can be turned inside the nose and thus hidden. However, during the healing process, it is advisable not to move the jewelry frequently without the master’s recommendation, as this may irritate the puncture site.

Piercing the nasal septum has been practiced by various peoples at different historical periods. Depending on the culture, such jewelry could signify a person's status, belonging to a certain community, a transition to adulthood, or have purely decorative meaning.

In modern culture, septum piercing does not have a single universally accepted symbolism. For some people, it is a way to emphasize their own style, for others—a way to experiment with their appearance or simply an ornament. Therefore, the meaning of the septum depends on personal choice and cultural context.

Septum fake is a piece of jewelry that mimics a real piercing but does not require a puncture. It is held on the lower part of the nasal septum by means of a clip, flexible ring, or magnets.

Such jewelry most often comes in the form of a ring or horseshoe. They are made from metal, plastic, and other materials. A septum fake allows one to see how the piercing will look before deciding on a real puncture.

The jewelry should not compress the tissues too tightly. If the fake causes pain, numbness, or noticeable irritation, it is better to remove it.

Thus, the meaning of the word "septum" depends on the context. In anatomy, it is a partition between cavities or parts of a certain structure. In everyday speech, it refers to the piercing of the nasal septum, the jewelry for it, and sometimes even the fake worn without a puncture.