pasteurize

verb

pas·​teur·​ize ˈpas-chə-ˌrīz  ˈpas-tyə-  -tə- 

pasteurized; pasteurizing

transitive verb

: to subject to pasteurization

pasteurizer noun

Examples of pasteurize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Milk sold in stores is pasteurized, a heating process that kills germs and other dangerous pathogens. —Taylor Grothe, Parents, 14 Dec. 2024

Advocates say raw milk contains more beneficial nutrients than pasteurized milk, but food scientists have argued there is no meaningful difference—other than risk—between the two products. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Federal and state officials say pasteurized milk available in grocery stores is safe from bird flu but caution that raw milk is not. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

Almost all the milk sold in the United States is pasteurized. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Louis Pasteur

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pasteurize

verb

pas·​teur·​ize ˈpas-chə-ˌrīz  ˈpas-tə- 

pasteurized; pasteurizing

: to expose to pasteurization

pasteurizer noun

Etymology

named for Louis Pasteur 1822–1895 French chemist

Medical Definition

pasteurize

transitive verb

pas·​teur·​ize

variants also British pasteurise

ˈpas-chə-ˌrīz  ˈpas-tə- 

pasteurized also British pasteurised; pasteurizing also British pasteurising

: to subject to pasteurization

pasteurizer noun

also British pasteuriser