disinfection

[ dis-in-fek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of cleansing or purifying a room, wound, item of clothing, etc., of germs that cause disease:

   After disinfection is complete, the treated water is reintroduced back into the river to support aquatic life, recreation, and downstream drinking water supplies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of disinfection¹

disinfect + -ion

Example Sentences

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in improving the efficiency of an electrochemical reaction that produces hydrogen peroxide -- a vital chemical for industrial applications such as disinfection, bleaching, and sewage treatment.

From Science Daily

While authorities said the health of the remaining 78 mammals in the zoo was "normal", the mammals section has been closed since 14 October for disinfection and cleaning.

From BBC

THM4 was the most abundant, and additionally, various unregulated disinfection byproducts were produced.

From Science Daily

They then exposed the removed microbes to ultraviolet radiation, completing the disinfection.

From Science Daily

The result: excess exposure to toxic lead, bacteria and a disinfection byproduct in Flint’s drinking water.

From Salon

Related Words

• purification
• sanitation
• sterilization
• washing