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

Aside from its resistance to regular medical treatment, C. auris also shows resilience against common cleaning products and disinfectants. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

The organization is currently in Myanmar providing emergency support for youth and families, including health kits, medical supplies, tents, and personal hygiene items such as soap, sanitary pads, and disinfectant. —Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025

Lysol Disinfecting Travel Wipes Before taking anything out of her bag, my mom likes to wipe down the dresser, bathroom counter, and suitcase rack with disinfectant to make sure it’s really sanitized. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025

Use a disinfectant, liquid soap, 1% bleach, antimicrobial or antiviral wipes, or hydrogen peroxide approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). —Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 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