Partial sterilization of foods at a temperature that destroys harmful microorganisms without major changes in the chemistry of the food

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1885, from pasteurize + -ation .

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (alternative spelling of pasteurisation English)

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pasteurization \Pas*teur`i*za"tion\, n. A process devised by Pasteur for preventing or checking fermentation in fluids, such as wines, milk, etc., by exposure to a temperature of 140[deg] F., thus destroying the vitality of the contained germs or ferments. ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Pasteurization or pasteurisation is a process that kills microbes (mainly bacteria ) in food and drink , such as milk , juice , canned food , and others. It was invented by French scientist Louis Pasteur during the nineteenth century. In 1864 Pasteur discovered ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. partial sterilization of foods at a temperature that destroys harmful microorganisms without major changes in the chemistry of the food [syn: pasteurisation ]