Sterilization is the removal or destruction of all forms of microbial life, most commonly by heating or a sterilizing agent called a sterilant. Food ,unlike microbial life in general, can only be heated to a certain point to kill endospores of Clostridium Botulinum. This process is called commercial sterilization. Disinfection is control directed at destroying harmful microorganisms, and if it is directed at living tissue it is then called antisepsis. Anyone one chemical can be thought to be a disinfectant on one thing but a antiseptic on another. Degerming or degermanatin is thought to be a mechanical removal of microbes in a certain area. This is often used before someone is administered a shot or injection. Other things such as dishes go through a process of sanitation, a process meant to decrease microbial numbers.
The suffix -cide, meaning to kill, is given to treatments that cause death. Some of these include biocide and germicide which are menat to kill microogranism and others to kill viruses, fungi, and unwanted bacteria. The suffix-stat or -stasis mean to stop or steady. One example is bacteriostasis, which once removed, growth might resume. |