disinfectant

disinfectant /dis·in·fec·tant/ (dis?-in-fek´tant)

1. freeing from infection.

2. an agent that disinfects, particularly one used on inanimate objects.

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dis·in·fec·tant (dsn-fktnt)

n.

An agent, such as heat, radiation, or a chemical, that disinfects by destroying, neutralizing, or inhibiting the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms.

adj.

Serving to disinfect.

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disinfectant (dis´infek´tnt),

n a chemical intended to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms. Does not cause sterilization.

disinfectant, alcohol,

n an unaccepted method of sterilization. Although ethanol and isopropanol both have cleansing properties when used on the skin, they are insufficient as sterilizers.

disinfectant, chlorine dioxide,

n a chemical disinfectant that can be used for 24 hours once it is activated. It can corrode some steel tools.

disinfectant holding solution,

n an antimicrobial liquid into which an object can be temporarily placed while awaiting sterilization.

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disinfectant

1. freeing from infection.

2. an agent that destroys infection-producing organisms. Heat and certain other physical agents such as live steam can be disinfectants, but in common usage the term is reserved for chemical substances such as mercury bichloride or phenol. Disinfectants are usually applied to inanimate objects since they are too strong to be used on living tissues. Chemical disinfectants are not always effective against spore-forming bacteria.