Sterilant: meaning, definitions and examples

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sterilant

 

[ ˈstɛr.ɪ.lənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical use

A sterilant is a chemical agent that is used to destroy all forms of life, including bacterial spores. In medical and laboratory settings, sterilants are essential for ensuring that equipment and environments are free from pathogens, thereby preventing infection and contamination.

Synonyms

biocide, disinfectant, sanitizer

Examples of usage

  • The surgical instruments were treated with a sterilant before the operation.
  • Our lab uses a powerful sterilant to clean the surfaces after each experiment.
  • Infections can be avoided by using appropriate sterilants on medical devices.
  • Doctors recommend using a sterilant for home surgeries.

Word origin

The term 'sterilant' is derived from the combination of 'sterile,' which originates from the Latin word 'sterilis,' meaning 'barren' or 'unfruitful,' and the suffix '-ant,' signifying an agent that performs a specific action. The concept of sterilization has been utilized since the early practices of medicine, but the modern understanding and usage began developing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with advancements in microbiology and aseptic techniques. Notably, the work of scientists such as Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister revolutionized the field, leading to the development of various chemical agents categorized as sterilants. The emphasis on infection control and sterilization in hospitals and laboratories has drastically increased with the understanding of pathogens and their threats to health, resulting in strict protocols regarding sterilization methods.