disinfectant

Everyday

1. A chemical liquid or spray that kills germs and bacteria on surfaces. tree →
2. As an adjective: used to kill germs, as in disinfectant wipes. tree →

In the lessons

In health, hygiene and science lessons, disinfectant cleans kitchens, toilets and hospital floors and stops illness spreading; in safety, it is poisonous to drink and must be kept away from small children; phrases: «spray with disinfectant», «hand disinfectant», «disinfectant wipes».

Examples

• The caretaker mopped the floor with disinfectant. tree →
• The hospital smelled of disinfectant. tree →
• Use disinfectant wipes to clean the table. tree →
• Never drink disinfectant: it is poisonous. tree →
• Mum keeps the disinfectant on a high shelf. tree →
• The nurse put disinfectant on my cut knee. tree →
• Disinfectant kills most germs in seconds. tree →

Note

Countable when you mean types or bottles, uncountable as a substance. Verb: disinfect. Safety: never mix cleaning products (like bleach and other cleaners), as dangerous gases can form. Disinfectant is for surfaces, antiseptic is for skin.