| disinfect | To destroy pathogenic microorganisms in or on any substance or to inhibit their growth and vital activity. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| disinfectant | An agent that disinfects, applied particularly to agents used on inanimate objects. Compare: antiseptic. (18 Nov 1997) |
| disinfectants | Substances used on inanimate objects that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. Disinfectants are classed as complete, destroying spores as well as vegetative forms of microorganisms, or incomplete, destroying only vegetative forms of the organisms. They are distinguished from antiseptics, which are local anti-infective agents used on humans and other animals. (12 Dec 1998) |
| disinfection | <dentistry> A cleaning process which destroys of most microorganism, but not highly resistant forms such as bacterial and mycotic spores or the AIDS virus. (08 Jan 1998) |