Germicide vs. Disinfectant

Germicidenoun

An agent that kills pathogenic organisms; a disinfectant.

Germicidenoun

A germicidal agent.

Germicidenoun

an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

Germicidenoun

a substance or other agent which destroys harmful microorganisms.

Disinfectantadjective

Serving to kill germs or viruses.

Disinfectantnoun

A substance that kills germs and/or viruses.

Disinfectantnoun

That which disinfects, especially an agent for killing or removing the microorganisms which cause infection. Commonly used disinfectants are chlorine, sodium hypochlorite solution, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol.

Disinfectantnoun

an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

Disinfectantadjective

preventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms

Disinfectantnoun

a chemical liquid that destroys bacteria

Disinfectantadjective

causing disinfection

Disinfectant

A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than sterilization, which is an extreme physical or chemical process that kills all types of life.