消毒 xiāodú to disinfect
to disinfect; to sterilize
How to remember 消毒: 消 vanish + 毒 poison = to disinfect.
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How it is used
- To disinfect/sterilize - 消毒液 (xiāodúyè) disinfectant, 高温消毒 (gāowēn xiāodú) sterilize with high heat.
- A separable verb (消了毒); killing germs on objects/surfaces. 消 (eliminate) + 毒 (poison/germs).
- Contrast 杀菌 (shājūn, kill bacteria); 消毒 is the everyday word for disinfecting.