disinfectant

American  

[dis-in-fek-tuhnt] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈfɛk tənt /

noun

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

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adjective

1. serving as a disinfectant.

disinfectant British  

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of disinfectant

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

Example Sentences

Over many decades, some bacteria have gradually become resistant to widely used antibiotics and disinfectants, creating serious challenges for medicine and public health.

From Science Daily

Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound that has a range of applications, including as a disinfectant and deodorizer.

From Salon

Garlic extract has been found to offer antimicrobial effects that are on par with commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants such as chlorhexidine, according to medical researchers at the University of Sharjah.

From Science Daily

"We've got biosecurity mats down with disinfectant all over them and are limiting who can go in the shed - usually it's just me," Ms Kennedy said.

From BBC

The medical profession successfully argued for an exemption from the wet wipe ban, arguing that non-plastic wipes absorb too much of the detergents and disinfectants impregnated in them, with potential consequences for patient safety.

From BBC

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile