— decontamination , n. — decontaminative , adj. — decontaminator , n.
/dee'keuhn tam"euh nayt'/ , v.t., decontaminated, decontaminating .
1. to make (an object or area) safe for unprotected personnel by removing, neutralizing, or destroying any harmful substance, as radioactive material or poisonous gas.
2. to make free of contamination; purify: to decontaminate a sickroom.
[ 1935-40; DE- + CONTAMINATE ]