I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+ˌklāv noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from aut- (from Greek) + Latin clavis key — more at clavicle
: an airtight chamber that can be filled with steam under pressure or surrounded by another chamber for the steam and that is used for sterilizing, cooking, or other purposes requiring moist or dry temperatures above 212° F without boiling — compare pressure cooker
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to subject to the action of an autoclave