Search Dictionary
Definition of pasteurization

pasteurization

/ˌpæs.tʃə.rəˈzeɪ.ʃən/
(UK: pasteurisation)
pas · teur · i · za · tion
Plural:pasteurizations
•
Adjective:pasteurized
JUMP TO:

pasteurization Lexical Profile

pasteurization Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of heating a food or liquid, such as milk, juice, or wine, to a specific temperature for a set period of time and then rapidly cooling it in order to destroy harmful microorganisms and delay spoilage without significantly altering its quality or flavor.

Example

"The widespread adoption of milk pasteurization in the early twentieth century dramatically reduced the incidence of foodborne illnesses."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pasteurization

• Rhymes for pasteurization

• Nearby Words

paste
pasteboard
pastel
pasteurization
pasteurize
pastime
pastina

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from the name of French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur (1822–1895), who developed the heat-treatment technique in the 1860s to prevent the spoilage of wine and beer.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pasteurization. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pasteurization
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.