disinfectant

noun

dis·​in·​fec·​tant ˌdis-in-ˈfek-tənt 

plural disinfectants

: 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

The main takeaway from its guide is that everything from soap to moisturizer, hair dye, and acidic food can stain your earbuds, but a quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe should do the trick. —Chris Haslam, WIRED, 19 Feb. 2025

Remove sweat and dirt from your elliptical machine after every use with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with either warm soapy water or a mild disinfectant. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025

Common Ingredients Are Linked To Health Harms The disinfectant wipes of popular brands often contain antimicrobial chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds. —Arlene Blum, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Additional control measures including handwashing stations, frequent restroom cleaning, and use of disinfectants strong enough to kill Norovirus have been deployed. —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disinfectant

• expectant
• protectant

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 

: 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