noun

pasteurisation

pas-cher-uh-rye-ZAY-shuhn

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Pasteurisation (noun) means Pasteurisation is the process of heating a perishable food to kill heat-sensitive microbes and then cooling it quickly to stop the survivors multiplying and any spores germinating. Example: “Pasteurisation of milk cuts the risk of harmful bacteria without needing to boil it.”

noun

Pasteurisation is the process of heating a perishable food to kill heat-sensitive microbes and then cooling it quickly to stop the survivors multiplying and any spores germinating.

"Pasteurisation of milk cuts the risk of harmful bacteria without needing to boil it."

"The dairy switched to a shorter, hotter pasteurisation cycle for its fresh juice."

"Most bottled beer sold in supermarkets has been through pasteurisation."

How to use pasteurisation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBriefly heating a food or drink, then cooling it fast, to make it safer without cooking it through.

When to use it

It is a standard, everyday word used in food science, food labelling and general cooking contexts alike.

Memory tip

Remember pasteurisation heats then cools quickly, rather than boiling food for a long time.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

sterilisation →

Common pairings

pasteurisation process the pasteurisation of milk undergo pasteurisation pasteurisation temperature

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “pasteurisation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ of milk cuts the risk of harmful bacteria without needing to boil it.

Etymology

The word comes from French pasteurisation. It was formed from the surname of Louis Pasteur, the scientist credited with developing the process.

Origin: French

Rhymes for pasteurisation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for pasteurisation →

Frequently asked questions

What is pasteurisation used for?

It is used to make perishable foods and drinks, such as milk, safer to consume by heating them enough to destroy heat-sensitive microbes, then cooling them straight away.

Does pasteurisation kill all bacteria?

No. It targets heat-sensitive vegetative cells and relies on quick cooling to stop any survivors from growing again and to limit spores germinating, rather than sterilising the food completely.

Is pasteurisation named after a person?

Yes, the term comes from the surname of Louis Pasteur, whose work the process is named after.

What is the meaning of pasteurisation?

"pasteurisation" (noun) means pasteurisation is the process of heating a perishable food to kill heat-sensitive microbes and then cooling it quickly to stop the survivors multiplying and any spores germinating.