sterilant
noun
ster·il·ant
ˈster-ə-lənt
plural sterilants
: an agent used for sterilizing something: such as
a
: a substance or preparation (such as ethylene oxide gas or hydrogen peroxide) that destroys or inactivates all types of microorganisms
Note: Sterilants are often distinguished from disinfectants by being effective against dormant bacterial endospores.
The substance, a colorless gas, is used widely as a fumigant, sterilant, and pesticide …—R. Jeffrey Smith
b
: an agent that makes a living organism incapable of reproduction
chemical insect sterilants
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share