autoclave Definition
a strong heated container used for chemical reactions and other processes using high pressures and temperatures, e.g. sterilization of medical equipment.
Using autoclave: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "autoclave" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The laboratory uses an autoclave to sterilize its equipment.
Example
The medical staff put the surgical instruments in the autoclave to kill any bacteria.
Example
The food industry uses autoclaves to preserve canned foods.
autoclave Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for autoclave
- sterilizer
- retort
- pressure cooker
Phrases with autoclave
tape used to indicate whether the contents of an autoclave have been sterilized or not
Example
The autoclave tape turned black, indicating that the contents had been sterilized.
a bag made of heat-resistant material used to hold items that need to be sterilized in an autoclave
Example
The laboratory technician placed the petri dishes in an autoclave bag before putting them in the autoclave.
Example
The autoclave cycle takes about an hour to complete.
Origins of autoclave
from French 'autoclave', from 'auto-' (self) + 'clave' (key), meaning 'self-locking'
Summary: autoclave in Brief
An 'autoclave' [ˈɔːtəkleɪv] is a strong heated container used for chemical reactions and other processes using high pressures and temperatures, such as sterilization of medical equipment. It is commonly used in laboratories and the food industry. Phrases like 'autoclave tape' and 'autoclave bag' refer to materials used in conjunction with autoclaves. The 'autoclave cycle' denotes the process of heating and pressurizing an autoclave to sterilize its contents.
