disinfectant

noun
dis·​in·​fec·​tant | \ ˌdis-in-ˈfek-tənt How to pronounce disinfectant (audio) \

Definition of disinfectant

: an agent that frees from infection especially : a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) especially on inanimate objects but that may be less effective in destroying spores

Examples of disinfectant in a Sentence

They use a strong disinfectant on the medical equipment. Clean the area with disinfectant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, many school supply lists request items such as hand sanitizer, paper towels, plastic bags and disinfectant wipes. Author: Laura Daily, Anchorage Daily News, "How to save money during back-to-school mania this year," 11 Aug. 2019 But if traditional disinfectants are ineffective, as the new research suggests, what works? Erika Edwards, NBC News, "Dangerous bacteria can survive disinfectant, putting patients at risk," 12 July 2019 Pribish’s facility is cleaned daily with a surface disinfectant and decontaminant, is vacuumed and mopped daily, and gets spot cleanings throughout the day. Scott Douglas, Washington Post, "Your gym is teeming with invisible members: Germs. Here’s how to avoid them.," 29 July 2019 Pribish's facility is cleaned daily with a surface disinfectant and decontaminant, is vacuumed and mopped daily, and gets spot cleanings throughout the day. Scott Douglas, sun-sentinel.com, "Your gym is teeming with invisible members: Germs. Here’s how to avoid them.," 29 July 2019 To reduce the risk of a hot tub rash, the CDC recommends using chlorine and other disinfectants, thoroughly washing your swimsuit after being in the water and ensuring that the water’s pH levels have been checked at least twice a day. Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, "Indiana Mom of 2 Nearly Loses Her Leg from Hot Tub Rash While on Vacation: 'I Couldn't Walk'," 25 July 2019 Its once-squalid floors and tiled walls now gleam, and a perfume of disinfectant wafts through the corridors. Rachel Swan, SFChronicle.com, "Needles on wane in BART trains and stations, another sign of fentanyl’s rise," 7 July 2019 Alison Zavada: When the contents of the bag were examined, in addition to her body, there was a paper towel and a couple of … disinfectant wipes. Asena Basak, CBS News, "Convicted killer of pregnant Florida mother: "I did not kill Samira Watkins"," 3 July 2019 Unlike other germs that typically are killed by common pool disinfectants, such as chlorine, crypto is capable of surviving in properly treated water for up to a week. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al.com, "Crypto: Parasite in pools making people sick, CDC wants," 1 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disinfectant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of disinfectant

1837, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for disinfectant

disinfectant

noun

English Language Learners Definition of disinfectant

: a chemical substance that is used to kill harmful germs and bacteria : a substance that disinfects something

disinfectant

noun
dis·​in·​fec·​tant | \ ˌdi-sᵊn-ˈfek-tənt How to pronounce disinfectant (audio) \

Kids Definition of disinfectant

: something that kills germs

disinfectant

noun
dis·​in·​fec·​tant | \ -ˈfek-tənt How to pronounce disinfectant (audio) \

Medical Definition of disinfectant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: an agent that frees from infection especially : a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms (as bacteria and fungi) especially on inanimate objects but that may be less effective in destroying spores

disinfectant

adjective

Medical Definition of disinfectant (Entry 2 of 2)

: serving or tending to disinfect : suitable for use in disinfecting

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