1. a chemical agent used to destroy all forms of microbial life including bacteria, viruses, and spores
Usage: technical; medical

Examples

• The hospital uses a powerful sterilant to clean surgical instruments.
• Ethylene oxide is a common sterilant in medical facilities.
• The laboratory technician applied the sterilant to all work surfaces.
• This sterilant is effective against both bacteria and viruses.
• The sterilant must be handled with proper safety equipment.
• Food processing plants rely on sterilants to ensure product safety.