disinfection
noun
dis·in·fec·tion
ˌdis-in-ˈfek-shən
plural disinfections
: the act of disinfecting something
especially
: the process of using a disinfectant to destroy, inactivate, or significantly reduce the concentration of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi)
Both viruses are susceptible to disinfection by a weak solution of chlorine bleach. —Margaret Reister
… a virulent strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreads beyond hospital walls, some communities are taking extreme measures such as closing schools for disinfection. —Laura Landro
Cite this Entry
“Disinfection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinfection. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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