Meaning & use
autoclave
Last updated
UK/ˈɔːtəʊkleɪv/
US/ˈɔːtoʊkleɪv/
Meaning
nouncountabletechnical
A strong sealed machine that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize medical or laboratory equipment.
Grammar: Countable: an autoclave, the autoclave, autoclaves.
Patterns
- in an autoclave
- use an autoclave
- sterilize something in an autoclave
All surgical instruments must be sterilized in an autoclave before use.
The lab technician placed the glassware in the autoclave to kill any bacteria.
Autoclaves are essential in hospitals to prevent infection.
Word forms
| plural | autoclaves |
|---|
Common combinations
- sterilize in an autoclave
- The tools were sterilized in an autoclave.
- run the autoclave
- She ran the autoclave for twenty minutes.
- autoclave cycle
- The autoclave cycle includes heating, sterilizing, and cooling phases.
- autoclave tape
- Autoclave tape changes color to show that sterilization is complete.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sterilizer
- A general term for any device that sterilizes; an autoclave is a specific type that uses steam under pressure.
Word family
- autoclaving noun
- The process of sterilizing with an autoclave.
Practice
What is an autoclave mainly used for?
Choose one answer.
An autoclave uses high-pressure steam to sterilize. It is not for cooking, measuring pressure, or cooling.
Make it your own
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