au·to·clave
ˈȯ-tō-ˌklāv 
: an apparatus in which special conditions (such as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications
especially
: an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using steam under high pressure
Examples of autoclave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
An autoclave is a machine that exposes surgical supplies to hot steam under pressure to sterilize them.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Alice Bell, CNN, 5 Nov. 2019
That material -- autoclaved aerated concrete, better known as AAC block -- is a porous block that's lightweight and workable, but also has insulating qualities.
—Sarah Bonnette, NOLA.com, 30 Aug. 2017
See all Example Sentences for autoclave 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Tequila, on the other hand, cooks its agave in industrial ovens or autoclaves, which results in a cleaner, more straightforward flavor.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
An autoclave is a machine that exposes surgical supplies to hot steam under pressure to sterilize them.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
Usually, lab waste plastics are bagged and autoclaved -- an energy- and water-hungry sterilization process -- before being sent to landfill.
—Alice Bell, CNN, 5 Nov. 2019
That material -- autoclaved aerated concrete, better known as AAC block -- is a porous block that's lightweight and workable, but also has insulating qualities.
—Sarah Bonnette, NOLA.com, 30 Aug. 2017
See all Example Sentences for autoclave
Dictionary Entries Near autoclave
Cite this Entry
“Autoclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoclave. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
autoclave
1 of 2 noun
au·to·clave
ˈȯt-ō-ˌklāv
: an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated steam under pressure
autoclave
2 of 2 transitive verb
autoclaved; autoclaving
: to treat in an autoclave
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share