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1. Preventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms
   "disinfectant chemicals can be used to disinfect and, in some cases, sterilize";
   - bactericidal, germicidal

1. An agent (as heat, radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease
   - germicide, antimicrobic, antimicrobial

Derived forms: disinfectants

See also: antiseptic

Type of: agent

Encyclopedia: Disinfectant