disinfectant

noun

dis·​in·​fec·​tant ˌdis-in-ˈfek-tənt How to pronounce disinfectant (audio)
plural disinfectants
Synonyms of disinfectantnext
: 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
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.
The results, detailed in a statement, showed that human skin was the primary source of microbes in the ISS and that chemicals from cleaning products and disinfectants were present all throughout the station. — Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025 In Node 3, the zone astronauts use for exercise and bathroom purposes, the chemical profile included a strong signal of cleaning products and disinfectants. — Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025 Your provider will expose the area of the skin where incisions will occur and clean it with a disinfectant. — Joy Emeh, Health, 15 Feb. 2025 Disinfecting requires using a commercial disinfectant that kills germs and bacteria. — Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disinfectant

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disinfectant was in 1837

Rhymes for disinfectant

See All Rhymes for disinfectant

Browse Nearby Words

disinfect
disinfectant
disinfecting candle
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Cite this Entry

“Disinfectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinfectant. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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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 How to pronounce disinfectant (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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