滅菌

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: In 滅菌 (めっきん), elimination 滅 and microbe 菌 combine to denote sterilization.
• Basic usage: 滅菌 is treatment intended to eliminate microorganisms and produce a sterile state.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Sterilization versus cleaning
  • It is not equivalent in scope to washing away dirt or ordinary disinfection that merely reduces microorganisms.