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disinfectant
noun
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disinfectant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1837, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near disinfectant
Cite this Entry
“Disinfectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinfectant. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
disinfectant
nounMedical Definition
disinfectant
1 of 2 nounNote: 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 adjectiveMore from Merriam-Webster on disinfectant
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for disinfectant
Nglish: Translation of disinfectant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about disinfectant
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