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
Now, cheesemakers use pasteurization, a mild heat treatment that destroys any pathogens present in the raw milk.
—
John A. Lucey, The Conversation, 24 July 2024
But pasteurization doesn’t eliminate the salmonella risk completely, Syers says.
—Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 25 June 2024
Earlier tests found only some harmless fragments of the virus leftover from pasteurization.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 June 2024
Without pasteurization, it can easily be contaminated with a wide variety of pathogens, including Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pasteurization 
John A. Lucey, The Conversation, 24 July 2024
But pasteurization doesn’t eliminate the salmonella risk completely, Syers says.
—Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 25 June 2024
Earlier tests found only some harmless fragments of the virus leftover from pasteurization.
—Alexander Tin, CBS News, 14 June 2024
Without pasteurization, it can easily be contaminated with a wide variety of pathogens, including Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella, and Salmonella.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 May 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 18 Aug. 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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