autoclave

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːtə(ʊ)kleɪv/

noun

  • a strong heated container used for chemical reactions and other processes using high pressures and temperatures, e.g. steam sterilization.

verb

[with object]
  • heat (something) in an autoclave: this follows recent advice that dental equipment be autoclaved after consultations

Origin:

late 19th century: from French, from auto- 'self' + Latin clavus 'nail' or clavis 'key' (so named because it is self-fastening)