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.

Example Sentences

They use a strong disinfectant on the medical equipment.

Clean the area with disinfectant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Also in 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency found that GEO Group violated federal law by misusing a chemical disinfectant that caused detainees to experience nosebleeds, burning eyes and nausea. —Andrea Castillostaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2023

The North Texas Municipal Water District is temporarily changing the disinfectant in its water treatment process through March 29. —Dallas News, 3 Mar. 2022

Another photo showed the crushed truck being sprayed with disinfectant by a hazmat suited worker. —Christian Edwards, CNN, 21 Sep. 2022

On April 23, 2020, with the United States in the throes of the first covid-19 wave, President Donald Trump opined that doctors should investigate whether shining ultraviolet light or injecting disinfectant into the body might treat the disease. —Colleen M. Farrell, Washington Post, 20 May 2022

Many, like Tioseco, rely on this Cinema Secrets cleaner that’s quick-drying and formulated with a 99.99% antimicrobial disinfectant. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2022

Once the tick is removed, clean the area with a disinfectant. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2022

Men in white hazmat suits patrolled the streets spraying disinfectant in the air. —Brian Spegele, WSJ, 23 Nov. 2022

Cornelis said the ship also provides gloves, paper bags, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

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