What do pasteurized mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpæstəraɪzd ˈmiːn/🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A process of heating food or liquid to a high temperature to kill or inactivate certain bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms, thereby making it safe for consumption or preserving it.

Examples

• The milk was pasteurized before being bottled.
• The raw eggs were cooked to pasteurize them.

Synonyms

• Heat treatment
• Sterilization

Antonyms

• Raw
• Untreated

Additional Information

Pasteurization is a widely used process in the food industry to ensure food safety. It is particularly important for dairy products, juices, and other beverages that may be contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms. Pasteurization involves heating the food or liquid to a temperature of at least 161°F (72°C) for a period of 15 seconds to kill or inactivate the harmful microorganisms.

There are different types of pasteurization, including batch pasteurization, continuous pasteurization, and ultraviolet (UV) pasteurization. The choice of pasteurization method depends on the type of food or liquid being treated and the desired level of sterilization.

Etymology

The term “pasteurized” is named after Louis Pasteur, a French scientist who developed the process in the late 19th century.

Usage Notes

Pasteurization is often used in medical contexts to describe the process of heating blood or other bodily fluids to kill bacteria or other microorganisms.

The term “pasteurized” is also used in food labeling to indicate that a product has been treated with heat to kill bacteria or other microorganisms.

Cultural References

Pasteurization is mentioned in the popular TV show “South Park” in an episode titled “The Entity” (Season 4, Episode 5).

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Pasteurize the competition” is a common idiomatic expression that means to outdo or surpass others in a particular field or industry.

Related Words or Phrases

• Heat treatment
• Sterilization
• Sanitization

Collocations

• pasteurize milk
• pasteurize eggs
• pasteurize juice

Frequency of Use

Pasteurization is an essential process in the food industry, and the term “pasteurized” is commonly used in food labeling and marketing.

Common Misspellings

• Pastureized
• Pastierized
• Pasturized