Meaning & use
disinfection
Last updated
The process of cleaning something to destroy or remove harmful microorganisms.
See it in a sentence
The hospital increased disinfection of high-touch surfaces during flu season.
Proper disinfection of wounds helps prevent infection.
A note on using this word
Distinct from "sterilization," disinfection typically reduces but doesn't necessarily eliminate every microorganism present.
Words with a similar meaning
sterilizationsanitation
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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