disinfectant

[ dis-in-fek-tuhnt ]

/ ˌdɪs ɪnˈfɛk tənt /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: disinfectant / disinfectants on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

adjective

serving as a disinfectant.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of disinfectant

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

Words nearby disinfectant

disinclination, disincline, disinclined, disincorporate, disinfect, disinfectant, disinfection, disinfest, disinflate, disinflation, disinform

How to use disinfectant in a sentence

These include a nose spray that smothers and inactivates a key viral protein, disinfectants that are commonly used before sinus surgeries, and even dilute baby shampoo misted up the nose.
Treatments that target the coronavirus in the nose might help prevent COVID-19|Laura Sanders|September 14, 2020|Science News
Our campus rules and procedures mandate masks inside buildings, seat us six feet apart in class, provide quarantine housing, offer ample sanitizer and disinfectant supplies, and facilitate contact tracing.
Donald Trump has failed to protect me and other students from COVID-19|jakemeth|September 3, 2020|Fortune
Allied BioScience told CNBC it will pursue broader approval that would make its disinfectant more easily available.
American Airlines touts a new tool to combat COVID. But does it really make flying safer?|dzanemorris|August 24, 2020|Fortune
American Airlines announced federal approval of a new disinfectant that the airline says it will use on some flights to improve protection against surface transmission of the coronavirus.
American Airlines touts a new tool to combat COVID. But does it really make flying safer?|dzanemorris|August 24, 2020|Fortune

Allied BioScience is already pursuing a broader EPA approval to allow widespread use of the disinfectant.
This product kills COVID for 7 days—and just got EPA approval for some American Airlines planes|Lee Clifford|August 24, 2020|Fortune
The infection can—with copious amounts of disinfectant (bleach) and meticulous attention to detail—end there.
Kissing the Corpses in Ebola Country|Abby Haglage|August 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He stitched me up quickly, using a can of 7UP as disinfectant.
The Warlord Who Defines Afghanistan: An Excerpt From Bruce Riedel’s ’What We Won’|Bruce Riedel|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Jacob Mchangama argues that, for Akkari, the Danish tradition of free speech acted as a disinfectant.
The Repentant Radical|Michael Moynihan|September 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I believe, as Justice Brandeis did, that sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Human-Rights Activist Robert Bernstein on Alliance With Movements.org||June 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Coombs ended by quoting U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
Bradley Manning Awaits Army’s Decision on Whether to Court-Martial Him|Denver Nicks|December 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Years ago I investigated in the laboratory the popular notion that tobacco is a disinfectant.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine|Austin Malley
The popular notions regarding sulphur as a disinfectant after diphtheria are erroneous.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine|Austin Malley
Formalin is the best disinfectant for wall-paper unless the child has spat upon it—then use the bichloride.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine|Austin Malley
The nurse should not touch the outside of the tub with infected articles while putting these in the disinfectant.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine|Austin Malley
They rubbed disinfectant salves into their fungus-ridden hides.
The Planet Strappers|Raymond Zinke Gallun

British Dictionary definitions for disinfectant

disinfectant

/ (ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

disinfectant

Origin of disinfectant

Words nearby disinfectant

Words related to disinfectant

How to use disinfectant in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for disinfectant