Disinfectant

n. chemical agent that destroys a harmful organism (i.e. bacteria)

adj. that causes disinfection

This is an article about antimicrobial agents. For the Macintosh anti-virus software, see Disinfectant (software). Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms, the process of which is known as disinfection. Disinfectants should generally be distinguished from antibiotics that destroy microorganisms within the body, and from antiseptics, which destroy microorganisms on living tissue. Sanitisers are high level disinfectants that kill over 99.9% of a target microorganism in applicable situations. Very few disinfectants and sanitisers can sterilise (the complete elimination of all microorganisms), and those that can depend entirely on their mode of application. Bacterial endospores are most resistant to disinfectants, however some viruses and bacteria also possess some tolerance.
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Noun
1. an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease
(synonym) germicide, antimicrobic, antimicrobial
(hypernym) agent
(hyponym) cetrimide
(derivation) disinfect
Adjective
1. preventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms
(synonym) bactericidal, germicidal
(similar) antiseptic

(n.)
That which disinfects; an agent for removing the causes of infection, as chlorine.
  

A chemical or physical process that kills pathogenic organisms in water, air, or on surfaces. Chlorine is often used to disinfect sewage treatment effluent, water supplies, wells, and swimming pools.