sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce sterilizer (audio)
plural sterilizers
: one that sterilizes something: such as
a
: an apparatus for destroying viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat) compare autoclave, sterilant
b
: a person whose work involves sterilizing something (such as medical equipment)

Examples of sterilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to Sellick, most healthcare providers and dentists use steam sterilizers in their offices. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 2 Feb. 2024 There are so many settings that will make many of your appliances redundant as it can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, and even as a sterilizer. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2024 Finally, there are electric sterilizers that will keep your baby's accessories off your stove and out of your microwave. Good Housekeeping, 24 July 2023 Additionally, this water bath bottle warmer can also double as a sterilizer for bottles and pacifiers as well as a baby-food warmer. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 18 Sep. 2023 Some bottle brands sell their own sterilizers such as this Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer. Good Housekeeping, 24 July 2023 That means no popping parts in the dishwasher, no bottle sterilizers, and no microwave sterilizing bags. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 11 July 2023 This model can also slow cook, handle rice, make yogurt, steam veggies, warm food, sauté things in a pinch, and act as a sterilizer. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 12 July 2023 They were struck, Ms. Walker said, by the haste with which normal operations had been abandoned: At a clinic in Montgomery, Ala., that closed a year ago, wall calendars were open to June 2022, and surgical instruments still lay in a sterilizer. Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 30 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sterilizer.' 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

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterilizer was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near sterilizer

Cite this Entry

“Sterilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilizer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sterilizer

noun
ster·​il·​iz·​er
ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər
: one that sterilizes something
especially : a device used for sterilizing by steam, boiling water, or dry heat

Medical Definition

sterilizer

noun
ster·​il·​iz·​er
variants also British steriliser
: an apparatus for sterilizing (as by the agency of steam, ultraviolet radiation, or chemicals)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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