pasteurization

noun

pas·​teur·​i·​za·​tion ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce pasteurization (audio)
ˌpas-tyə-,
-tə-
1
: partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (such as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys objectionable organisms without major chemical alteration of the substance
2
: irradiation of food products

Examples of pasteurization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To date, the technology has been used in the commercial food industry, mainly for pasteurization of liquid and semi-solid foods. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Jan. 2024 These spores tend to survive harsh conditions like extreme temperatures (pasteurization), drying, and even some disinfectants. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Feb. 2024 During the transportation process from farms to the stores after pasteurization, the shells can crack and bacteria can seep into them. Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 5 July 2023 The association accredits nonprofit milk banks and says most nutrients aren't lost in the pasteurization process. Campbell Roper, arkansasonline.com, 18 Dec. 2023 Juice typically goes through a similar pasteurization process to most dairy products. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 8 Dec. 2023 Because of the differences in pasteurization, organic milk also lasts longer: 40–60 days compared with 15–17 days for regular milk. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 19 Sep. 2023 But even accidentally consuming milk that has gone a little sour probably isn’t going to cause a serious illness, since the pasteurization process kills most disease-causing pathogens. Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2020 Raw milk is milk that has not gone through the pasteurization process. Lauren Manaker, Health, 27 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pasteurization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pasteurization was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near pasteurization

Cite this Entry

“Pasteurization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pasteurization. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pasteurization

noun
pas·​teur·​i·​za·​tion ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce pasteurization (audio)
ˌpas-tə-
: the process of heating a liquid (as milk) to a temperature high enough and keeping it at that temperature long enough to kill many objectionable germs and then cooling it rapidly without causing a major change in its chemical composition

Medical Definition

pasteurization

noun
pas·​teur·​iza·​tion
variants also British pasteurisation
1
: partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys pathogenic microorganisms
2
: partial sterilization of perishable food products (as fruit or poultry) with radiation (as gamma rays emitted by cobalt 60)

More from Merriam-Webster on pasteurization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!