pasteurization
noun
pas·teur·i·za·tion
ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌpas-tyə-,
-tə-
1
: partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (such as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys objectionable organisms without major chemical alteration of the substance
2
: irradiation of food products
Examples of pasteurization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Studies have also indicated that the pasteurization process -- which kills bacteria and viruses that might be in the donor milk -- may reduce many of the protective components of human milk.
—
James Hill, ABC News, 7 July 2024
The researchers predict that pasteurization may be effective at killing as many as one trillion viral particles per milliliter.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 2 July 2024
Despite what raw milk fans may believe, the pasteurization process doesn’t mess with the nutritional makeup of the beverage.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 2 July 2024
The second pasteurization approach — a half hour at 63 degrees Celsius — was more effective.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pasteurization 
James Hill, ABC News, 7 July 2024
The researchers predict that pasteurization may be effective at killing as many as one trillion viral particles per milliliter.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 2 July 2024
Despite what raw milk fans may believe, the pasteurization process doesn’t mess with the nutritional makeup of the beverage.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 2 July 2024
The second pasteurization approach — a half hour at 63 degrees Celsius — was more effective.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pasteurization
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pasteurization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pasteurization
Cite this Entry
“Pasteurization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pasteurization. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pasteurization
noun
pas·teur·i·za·tion
ˌpas-chə-rə-ˈzā-shən
ˌpas-tə-
: the process of heating a liquid (as milk) to a temperature high enough and keeping it at that temperature long enough to kill many objectionable germs and then cooling it rapidly without causing a major change in its chemical composition
Medical Definition
pasteurization
noun
pas·teur·iza·tion
variants
also British pasteurisation
1
: partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys pathogenic microorganisms
2
: partial sterilization of perishable food products (as fruit or poultry) with radiation (as gamma rays emitted by cobalt 60)
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