Word
disinfectant
Phoneticsdis·in·fec·tant, stress on the third syllable
US/dɪsɪnˈfɛktənt/
UK/dˌɪsɪnfˈɛktənt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a liquid or spray used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. You use it to clean floors, counters, or your hands to keep them safe from illness.
n. a substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on inanimate surfaces. Often distinguished from antiseptics, which are applied to living tissue.
Examples
“Wipe the kitchen counter with a disinfectant after cooking.”
“The hospital staff uses a strong disinfectant to clean the floors and equipment after every patient visit.”
“While a mild soap removes dirt and some bacteria, a hospital-grade disinfectant is required to ensure the complete eradication of pathogens from high-touch surfaces.”
Examples
simple
“Wipe the kitchen counter with a disinfectant after cooking.”
contextual
“The hospital staff uses a strong disinfectant to clean the floors and equipment after every patient visit.”
complex
“While a mild soap removes dirt and some bacteria, a hospital-grade disinfectant is required to ensure the complete eradication of pathogens from high-touch surfaces.”
Real-World Examples
“There are many easy and cost-effective ways to purify water, such as boiling, filtration and treating with chemical disinfectants.” “But now I’m wondering if they’re going to strip-search us and hose us with disinfectant when we get there.’ I was scared.” “The acidity of the tomatoes acts as a disinfectant.” Etymology
From disinfect + -ant, borrowed from French désinfectant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/disinfectant