Autoclave
noun
A device mainly used to kill bacteria and germs in laboratory tools or medical equipment using high pressure steam.
The surgical tools were sterilized in an autoclave before the operation.

Often appears as...
- sterilize in autoclave
- autoclave pressure
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
To sanitize or clean something, especially laboratory tools or medical equipment, using an autoclave.
We need to autoclave all the dental instruments before use.

Often appears as...
- autoclave instruments
- autoclave tools
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
noun
A device mainly used to kill bacteria and germs in laboratory tools or medical equipment using high pressure steam.
The surgical tools were sterilized in an autoclave before the operation.

Often appears as...
- sterilize in autoclave
- autoclave pressure
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
verb
To sanitize or clean something, especially laboratory tools or medical equipment, using an autoclave.
We need to autoclave all the dental instruments before use.

Often appears as...
- autoclave instruments
- autoclave tools
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 2

High Pressure Usage
Emphasizes the use of high pressure steam for sterilization, not just any heat source.

The laboratory autoclave uses intense pressure to ensure sterilization.
Not For Cooking
Clarifies that autoclaves are different from pressure cookers, which also use steam and pressure.

Unlike pressure cookers, autoclaves are for sterilizing equipment, not cooking food.
Technical Equipment
Autoclaves are advanced equipment found in professional settings like hospitals and labs.

After research, the petri dishes were placed in the autoclave for decontamination.
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