First Known Use: 1820
Dictionary
1autoclave
noun au·to·clave \ˈȯ-tō-ˌklāv\
Definition of AUTOCLAVE
: an apparatus in which special conditions (as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications; especially : an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using steam under high pressure
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Origin of AUTOCLAVE
French, from aut- + Latin clavis key — more at clavicle
Rhymes with AUTOCLAVE
2autoclave
verb
autoclavedautoclav·ing
Definition of AUTOCLAVE
transitive verb
: to treat in an autoclave
First Known Use of AUTOCLAVE
1911
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