n.
Pronunciation: ˌ pas-ch ə -r ə - ' z ā -sh ə n, ˌ pas-ty ə -, -t ə -
Function: noun
Date: 1886
1 : partial sterilization of a substance and especially a liquid (as milk) at a temperature and for a period of exposure that destroys objectionable organisms without major chemical alteration of the substance
2 : irradiation of food products