Main Entry:

pas·teur·i·za·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌpas-tyə-, -tə-\

Function:

noun

Date:

1886

1 : partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys objectionable organisms without major chemical alteration of the substance 2 : irradiation of food products