Control of microorganisms by physical and chemical agents frequently used terms Sterilization: the process by which all living cells, viable spores, virus, and viroids are either destroyed or removed from an object or habitat Disinfection: the killing inhibition or removal of microorganisms that may cause disease Sanitization: the microbial population is reduced to levels that are considered safe by public health standards Antisepsis: the prevention of infection or sepsis cide: kill; -static: stop germicide: kill pathogens but not necessarily endospores Bactericide; fungicide; algicide; viricide; bacteriostatic fungistaticControl of microorganisms by physical and chemical agents frequently used terms • Sterilization: the process by which all living cells, viable spores, virus, and viroids are either destroyed or removed from an object or habitat. • Disinfection: the killing, inhibition, or removal of microorganisms that may cause disease. • Sanitization: the microbial population is reduced to levels that are considered safe by public health standards. • Antisepsis: the prevention of infection or sepsis • -cide: kill; -static: stop germicide: kill pathogens but not necessarily endospores. Bactericide; fungicide; algicide; viricide; bacteriostatic; fungistatic