au·to·clave | \ ˈȯ-tō-ˌklāv 
\
\Definition of autoclave
(Entry 1 of 2)
: an apparatus in which special conditions (such as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications especially : an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using steam under high pressure
autoclave
verbautoclaved; autoclaving
Definition of autoclave (Entry 2 of 2)
: to treat in an autoclave
Examples of autoclave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Few, though, remember Charles Chamberland, inventor of the humble autoclave.
—
The Economist, "A solar autoclave How to sterilise scalpels when no electricity is available," 28 Nov. 2020 A mere 12 minutes in an autoclave at 121°C and two atmospheres of pressure kills 99.99% of common pathogenic bacteria.
—
The Economist, "A solar autoclave How to sterilise scalpels when no electricity is available," 28 Nov. 2020 Share an order of mozzarella sticks after first sterilizing itwi in an autoclave.
—
Scott Jacobson, The New Yorker, "Date Ideas for a Post-Quarantine World," 26 June 2020 The samples were placed in Teflon autoclaves and heated for ten hours at 180° C (356° F), and then cooled over night.
—
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Study: Building a better super-capacitor out of super-stinky durian fruit," 7 Mar. 2020 Unlike surgical or dental equipment that can easily be sterilized with steam in an autoclave, a duodenoscope has to be hand-scrubbed and then cleaned in a dishwasher-like machine that uses chemicals to kill micro-organisms.
—
Jonathan Saltzman, BostonGlobe.com, "Will Boston Scientific’s disposable scope — designed to prevent infections — be a $1b product?," 16 Dec. 2019 That included adding an extra autoclave to sterilize instruments more quickly, using spacesuit-like gowns for doctors to reduce infection risk and having patients start physical therapy just hours after knee- or hip-replacement surgery.
—
Kaiser Health News, oregonlive.com, "U.S. company pays to send patients to Mexican resort town for much cheaper surgeries," 18 Aug. 2019 That included adding an extra autoclave to sterilize instruments more quickly, using spacesuit-like gowns for doctors to reduce infection risk and having patients start physical therapy just hours after knee- or hip-replacement surgery.
—
Phil Galewitz, Dallas News, "Need a knee replacement? This company pays employees to meet a doctor in Cancun," 13 Aug. 2019 That included adding an extra autoclave to sterilize instruments more quickly, using spacesuit-like gowns for doctors to reduce infection risk and having patients start physical therapy just hours after knee- or hip-replacement surgery.
—
Kaiser Health News, oregonlive.com, "U.S. company pays to send patients to Mexican resort town for much cheaper surgeries," 18 Aug. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Usually, lab waste plastics are bagged and autoclaved -- an energy- and water-hungry sterilization process -- before being sent to landfill.
—
Alice Bell, CNN, "Can science break its plastic addiction?," 5 Nov. 2019 That material -- autoclaved aerated concrete, better known as AAC block -- is a porous block that's lightweight and workable, but also has insulating qualities.
—
Sarah Bonnette, NOLA.com, "Modern farmhouse blends cutting-edge design with rural charm on La. blueberry farm," 30 Aug. 2017 And make sure the therapist uses either disposable plastic tools or metal ones that have been autoclaved between each use.
—
Karyn Repinski, Harper's BAZAAR, "Are Colonics Back?," 23 Feb. 2016 Can the seal on Maddy’s autoclaved world withstand the pressure of such swelling adolescent hormones — not to mention Yoon’s plot requirements?
—
Michael O'sullivan, The Denver Post, "“Everything, Everything”: A whole lot of nothing remotely plausible," 19 May 2017 Can the seal on Maddy’s autoclaved world withstand the pressure of such swelling adolescent hormones, not to mention Yoon’s plot requirements?
—
Michael O’sullivan, star-telegram.com, "‘Everything, Everything’ leaves something to be desired," 19 May 2017
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'autoclave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for autoclave
autoclave
nounau·to·clave | \ ˈȯt-ō-ˌklāv \
\Medical Definition of autoclave
(Entry 1 of 2)
: an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated steam under pressure
autoclave
transitive verbautoclaved; autoclaving
Medical Definition of autoclave (Entry 2 of 2)
: to treat in an autoclave
Comments on autoclave
What made you want to look up autoclave? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share autoclave
Time Traveler for autoclave
The first known use of autoclave was in 1820
See more words from the same year