disinfectant

[dis-in-fek-tuhnt]

noun

1. any chemical agent used chiefly on inanimate objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms.

adjective

1. serving as a disinfectant.

disinfectant

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt /

noun

1. an agent that destroys or inhibits the activity of microorganisms that cause disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of disinfectant¹

1830–40; < French désinfectant, noun use of present participle of désinfecter, Middle French. See disinfect, -ant

Example Sentences

While most cleans rely on numerous solvents and disinfectants, for run-of-the-mill carpet stains Ben relies on the basics - using either washing powder or liquid and warm water.

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“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it’s time to shine a light on puppy mills,” Newsom said in a statement.

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In addition, customers who have a water dispenser on their refrigerator should flush the device or five minutes; make and discard three batches of ice cubes and clean the ice bin with a disinfectant.

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Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: "Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Only by being upfront and shining a light on inequalities can we begin to tackle the problem."

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Extra municipal workers armed with disinfectant sprays have been deployed to carry out an urban "spring clean" in public areas across the city, while additional rubbish collections are being arranged.

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Related Words

• hygienic 
• sterile