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

Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for usage on the package or online product description to ensure the disinfectant is effective on the virus or bacteria that needs to be eliminated. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024

Whether controlled by nation-states, government bureaucracies, billionaires, corporations or hackers, bots need the disinfectant of sunlight. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Dec. 2024

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack $15 $11 at Amazon Get more bang for your buck with this multipack of disinfectant wipes to clean countertops, vanities, kitchen tables, and more. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Becca Crandall and Bentley Rosser of Beck Cleaning and Organization recommend wiping down the inside and outside of your trash cans with disinfectant wipes to remove any remaining food particles. —Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

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