sterilization: the removal or destruction of all microorganisms, including endospores commercial sterilization: a process of treating canned goods aimed at destroying the endospores of Clostridium botulinum disinfection: any treatment used on inanimate objects to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms; a chemical used is called disinfectant; control directed at destroying harmful microorganisms antisepsis: a chemical method for disinfection of the skin or mucous sanitization: the removal of microbes from eating utensils and food preparation areas sepsis: the presence of a toxin or pathogenic organisms in blood and tissue aspesis: the absence of contamination by unwanted organisms