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

"We have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly. We think sunlight is the best disinfectant."

From BBC

“An impenetrable wall of disinfectant for your face.”

From Literature

He would get out the first aid kit and put some disinfectant on Abby’s scrapes, and on his own scratched arms and legs.

From Literature

"They can tolerate high temperatures, strong disinfectants like chlorine, and even live inside water distribution systems that people assume are safe."

From Science Daily

He is also the chief science officer of Curativa Bay, a natural products company that sells skincare, disinfectants and supplements.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile