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

Leff suggested using disinfectant wipes to sanitize flyers' seat areas, since with airflow and filtration will spread smells, sprays, or perfumes. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Unfortunately, there isn't a hard and fast rule for how long all disinfectants should remain on the surface (also called dwell or contact time). —Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025

Disinfect only when necessary Don’t overdo it with bleach and other strong disinfectants. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025

Once that's out of the way, using a stiff brush, scrub the floor with a mild detergent and disinfectant. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 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