[au.to.clave] n [F, fr. aut- + L clavis key--more at clavicle] (1876): an apparatus in which special conditions (as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications; esp: an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated steam under high pressure
[2]autoclave vt -claved ; -clav.ing (1911): to treat in an autoclave