1. An agent (as heat, radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease
   "The hospital used a powerful disinfectant to sterilize surgical instruments";
   - germicide, antimicrobic, antimicrobial

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

Derived forms: disinfectants

See also: antiseptic

Type of: agent

Encyclopedia: Disinfectant