pasteurization

British  

/ ˌpɑː-, ˌpæstəraɪˈzeɪʃən, -stjə- /

noun

1. the process of heating beverages, such as milk, beer, wine, or cider, or solid foods, such as cheese or crab meat, to destroy harmful or undesirable microorganisms or to limit the rate of fermentation by the application of controlled heat

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pasteurization Scientific  

/ păs′chər-ĭ-zā′shən /

1. A process in which an unfermented liquid, such as milk, or a partially fermented one, such as beer, is heated to a specific temperature for a certain amount of time in order to kill pathogens that could cause disease, spoilage, or undesired fermentation. During pasteurization, the liquid is not allowed to reach its boiling point so as to avoid changing its molecular structure.

2. The process of destroying most pathogens in certain foods, such as fish or clams, by irradiating them with gamma rays or other radiation to prevent spoilage.

3. See Note at Pasteur

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pasteurization Cultural  

1. Heating a fluid, such as milk, for a specific period to kill harmful bacteria. This technique was developed by Louis Pasteur.

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Example Sentences

Proponents of raw milk say that pasteurization, a heating process that kills harmful bacteria, removes natural health benefits and that warnings around the consumption of raw milk are overstated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The idea of mirror life was first floated in 1860 by Louis Pasteur, of vaccination, fermentation and pasteurization fame.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2025

"The distrust of pasteurization is part of the distrust of big food corporations and industries in general."

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2024

We know that consuming raw milk exposes people to infections that are normally killed during pasteurization, as the CDC says.

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2024

Where milk or cream is sold to the trade in large towns or cities pasteurization should be required as an additional safeguard.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry