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

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 ]

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. ...

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

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