pasteurization

noun

pas·​teur·​i·​za·​tion ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌpas-tyə-,

-tə-

1

: partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (such 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The whey goes through a pasteurization process, and then it is filtered. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2022

With technologies like flash pasteurization or flash detente, modern winemakers can instantaneously heat and then cool wine or grapes with little negative effect on flavor or freshness. —Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 22 Sep. 2022

The industry standard for quality dating is 21 to 24 days after pasteurization, and milk remains safe for human consumption up to a week longer. —Erica Smith Ewing And Daryl James, WSJ, 12 Sep. 2022

The brand’s use of cold-pressing to lock in nutrients and color without the need for heat pasteurization wowed our judges. —Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2022

Chicago first city in nation to pass law requiring pasteurization of milk. —Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2022

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine also notes that home pasteurization of human breast milk may help remove harmful viruses and bacteria, and its guidance includes directions for using a flash heating method. —New York Times, 20 May 2022

The organizations collect milk from mothers and process it, including through pasteurization, then work with hospitals to distribute it. —Hartford Courant, 13 May 2022

Normally, most of the bank’s stock is purchased by hospitals — after multiple screenings and pasteurization — for to babies in neonatal intensive units. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 18 May 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pasteurization

noun

pas·​teur·​i·​za·​tion ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌpas-tə-

: the process of heating a liquid (as milk) to a temperature high enough and keeping it at that temperature long enough to kill many objectionable germs and then cooling it rapidly without causing a major change in its chemical composition

Medical Definition

pasteurization

noun

pas·​teur·​iza·​tion

variants also British pasteurisation

ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌpas-tə- 

1

: partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys pathogenic microorganisms

2

: partial sterilization of perishable food products (as fruit or poultry) with radiation (as gamma rays emitted by cobalt 60)