disinfectant

noun

dis·​in·​fec·​tant ˌdis-in-ˈfek-tənt 

plural disinfectants

: an agent used to disinfect something

especially : a chemical agent that is used especially on hard surfaces and in water (such as drinking water or wastewater) to destroy, inactivate, or significantly reduce the concentration of pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi)

Note: Common chemical disinfectants include chlorine, calcium and sodium hypochlorite, iodophor, phenol, ethanol, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Disinfectants are often distinguished from sterilants by having reduced effectiveness against dormant bacterial endospores.

Examples of disinfectant in a Sentence

They use a strong disinfectant on the medical equipment.

Clean the area with disinfectant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many disinfectants take a few minutes to do their job, so spray, let sit, then wipe. —Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024

Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the disinfectant product, including contact time (the time the surface needs to remain wet with the disinfectant to be effective). —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024

The peroxide will act as a disinfectant to remove mold and mildew in addition to soap scum. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Chlorine-Based Household Cleaner Alternatives A variety of cleansers and disinfectants are on the market. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

disinfectant

noun

dis·​in·​fect·​ant

dis-ᵊn-ˈfek-tənt

: something (as a chemical) that is able to destroy harmful germs (as bacteria and fungi)

disinfectant adjective

Medical Definition

disinfectant

1 of 2 noun

dis·​in·​fec·​tant -ˈfek-tənt 

: an agent (as a chemical or ultraviolet light) that destroys, inactivates, or significantly reduces the concentration of pathogens (as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) especially on hard surfaces and in water (as drinking water or wastewater)

also : a preparation or formulation containing one or more disinfectants along with additional additives (as water and fragrance)

Note: Common chemical disinfectants include chlorine, calcium and sodium hypochlorite, iodophor, phenol, ethanol, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Disinfectants are often distinguished from sterilants by having reduced effectiveness against dormant bacterial endospores.

disinfectant

2 of 2 adjective

: serving or tending to disinfect : suitable for use in disinfecting