sterilant
noun
ster·il·ant
ˈster-ə-lənt 
plural sterilants
: an agent used for sterilizing something: such as
a
: a substance or preparation (such as ethylene oxide gas or hydrogen peroxide) that destroys or inactivates all types of microorganisms
Note: Sterilants are often distinguished from disinfectants by being effective against dormant bacterial endospores.
The substance, a colorless gas, is used widely as a fumigant, sterilant, and pesticide …—
R. Jeffrey Smith
R. Jeffrey Smith
b
: an agent that makes a living organism incapable of reproduction
chemical insect sterilants
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Another goal is to minimize the amount of sterilant the device uses to reduce costs without sacrificing effectiveness.
—Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 24 Apr. 2020
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Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 24 Apr. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Sterilant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilant. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
sterilant
noun
ster·il·ant
ˈster-ə-lənt
: a sterilizing agent
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