sterilant
noun
ster·il·ant
ˈster-ə-lənt 
plural sterilants
: an agent used for sterilizing something: such as
a
: a substance or preparation (such as ethylene oxide gas or hydrogen peroxide) that destroys or inactivates all types of microorganisms
Note: Sterilants are often distinguished from disinfectants by being effective against dormant bacterial endospores.
The substance, a colorless gas, is used widely as a fumigant, sterilant, and pesticide …—
R. Jeffrey Smith
R. Jeffrey Smith
b
: an agent that makes a living organism incapable of reproduction
chemical insect sterilants
Examples of sterilant in a Sentence
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In a conference call with reporters, NASA Glenn research aerospace engineer Marit Meyer said the existing product works on pre-hospital environments, after they are cleaned and wiped down, by depositing sterilant on surfaces.
—Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 24 Apr. 2020
Another goal is to minimize the amount of sterilant the device uses to reduce costs without sacrificing effectiveness.
—Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 24 Apr. 2020
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Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 24 Apr. 2020
Another goal is to minimize the amount of sterilant the device uses to reduce costs without sacrificing effectiveness.
—Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 24 Apr. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Sterilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilant. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sterilant
noun
ster·il·ant
ˈster-ə-lənt
: a sterilizing agent
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