noun
disinfection
dis-in-FEK-shun
Disinfection (noun) means Treatment with disinfectant substances to destroy harmful microorganisms. Example: “The kitchen surfaces undergo disinfection every evening.”
noun
1
Treatment with disinfectant substances to destroy harmful microorganisms.
"The kitchen surfaces undergo disinfection every evening."
"Hospitals follow strict disinfection procedures between patients."
"Regular disinfection helps stop the spread of infection in the ward."
How to use disinfection
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCleaning something with disinfectant to kill germs.
When to use it
It is a fairly formal, technical term used in cleaning, health and safety contexts.
Memory tip
Do not confuse it with disinfestation, which means removing pests rather than germs.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
disinfestation
Common pairings
surface disinfection
disinfection procedure
water disinfection
routine disinfection
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The kitchen surfaces undergo _____ every evening.
Etymology
The word combines the prefix dis- with infection.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for disinfection
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for disinfection →
Frequently asked questions
What is disinfection?
It is the process of using disinfectant products to kill harmful microorganisms on a surface or object.
Is disinfection the same as sterilisation?
No, disinfection reduces harmful microorganisms to a safe level, while sterilisation aims to remove all forms of microbial life.
Where is disinfection commonly used?
It is widely used in hospitals, kitchens and public spaces to prevent the spread of illness.
What is the meaning of disinfection?
"disinfection" (noun) means treatment with disinfectant substances to destroy harmful microorganisms.
