autoclave

[ aw-tuh-kleyv ]
/ ˈɔ təˌkleɪv /

noun

a heavy vessel for conducting chemical reactions under high pressure.
Medicine/Medical, Bacteriology. an apparatus in which steam under pressure effects sterilization.

verb (used with object), au·to·claved, au·to·clav·ing.

to place in an autoclave.

Origin of autoclave

1875–80; < French, equivalent to auto- auto-1 + clave < Latin clāv-, stem of clāvis key and clāvus nail

Example sentences from the Web for autoclave

British Dictionary definitions for autoclave

autoclave
/ (ˈɔːtəˌkleɪv) /

noun

a strong sealed vessel used for chemical reactions at high pressure
an apparatus for sterilizing objects (esp surgical instruments) or for cooking by means of steam under pressure
civil engineering a vessel in which freshly cast concrete or sand-lime bricks are cured very rapidly in high-pressure steam

verb

(tr) to put in or subject to the action of an autoclave

Word Origin for autoclave

C19: from French auto- + -clave, from Latin clāvis key

Medical definitions for autoclave

autoclave
[ ôtō-klāv′ ]

n.

A pressurized, steam-heated vessel used for sterilization.

v.

To treat in an autoclave.

Scientific definitions for autoclave

autoclave
[ ôtō-klāv′ ]

An airtight steel vessel used to heat substances and objects under very high pressures. Autoclaves are used in laboratory experiments and for sterilization.