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
Words nearby autoclave
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
[ ô′tō-klāv′ ]
n.
A pressurized, steam-heated vessel used for sterilization.
v.
To treat in an autoclave.
Scientific definitions for autoclave
autoclave
[ ô′tō-klāv′ ]
An airtight steel vessel used to heat substances and objects under very high pressures. Autoclaves are used in laboratory experiments and for sterilization.