pasteurize

[ pas-chuh-rahyz, pas-tuh- ]

verb (used with object)

, pas·teur·ized, pas·teur·iz·ing.

1. to expose (a food, as milk, cheese, yogurt, beer, or wine) to an elevated temperature for a period of time sufficient to destroy certain microorganisms, as those that can produce disease or cause spoilage or undesirable fermentation of food, without radically altering taste or quality.

pasteurize

/ ˈpɑː-; -stjə-; ˈpæstəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to subject (milk, beer, etc) to pasteurization
2. rare.
   to subject (a patient) to pasteurism

Other Words From

• pasteur·i·zation noun
• super·pasteur·ized adjective
• ultra·pasteur·ized adjective
• un·pasteur·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pasteurize¹

First recorded in 1880–85; Pasteur + -ize

Example Sentences

They also note that cooking foods properly and pasteurizing dairy products inactivates the virus.

From Los Angeles Times

State and federal health authorities insist that H5N1 poses little threat to humans and that it is safe to drink milk that has been pasteurized, because the process kills the virus.

From Los Angeles Times

Both state and federal health officials say milk is safe to drink, as long as it has been pasteurized.

From Los Angeles Times

State officials continue to reassure the public that the risk to the general population is low, and that pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe for human consumption.

From Los Angeles Times

Health officials say pasteurization inactivates the virus so there is no cause for concern for consumers of pasteurized milk or dairy products.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• castrate
• decontaminate
• disinfect
• neuter
• sanitize
• spay