disinfectant

[ dis-in-fek-tuh nt ]
/ ˌdɪs ɪnˈfɛk tənt /

noun

any chemical agent used chiefly on inanimate objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms.

adjective

serving as a disinfectant.

Origin of disinfectant

1830–40; < French désinfectant, noun use of present participle of désinfecter, Middle French. See disinfect, -ant

Example sentences from the Web for disinfectant

British Dictionary definitions for disinfectant

disinfectant
/ (ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛktənt) /

noun

an agent that destroys or inhibits the activity of microorganisms that cause disease

Medical definitions for disinfectant

disinfectant
[ dĭs′ĭn-fĕktənt ]

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.