rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydisinfectantKilling germs
noun / adjective

disinfectant

dis-in-FEK-tuhnt/ˌdɪsɪnˈfektənt/

A substance that kills germs on surfaces or objects, or having this effect.

She uses disinfectant to kill germs on the kitchen counter.

A Black adult cleaner uses a plain disinfectant bottle and cloth on a counter; a small diagram inset shows simple microbe shapes diminishing on the wiped area, no labels or text.
Etymology
disinfectEnglishcleanse from infection
+antEnglishagent that acts

Disinfect means to cleanse from infection by destroying disease germs; -ant names an agent that does this. The noun may come from French or from the corresponding English adjective.

In context

Dr Dray9:01
make sure to get yourself some disinfecting wipes or some disinfectant and disinfect surfaces
Impetigo Causes And Treatment | Dermatologist Explains

More examples

  • The solution has disinfectant properties.
  • The store keeps disinfectants beside other cleaning supplies.
  • He reads the disinfectant label before cleaning the table.

Forms

disinfectant · disinfectants

disinfect verb — To kill germs on surfaces or objects.

disinfection noun — The process of killing germs on surfaces.

Similar words

sanitizer
Emphasizes reducing germs to levels considered safe.
antiseptic
Used on living tissue rather than surfaces or objects.