I. ˈȯ-tō-ˌklāv noun
Etymology: French, from aut- + Latin clavis key — more at clavicle
Date: 1876
: an apparatus in which special conditions (as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications ; especially : an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated steam under high pressure
II. transitive verb
( -claved ; -clav·ing )
Date: 1911
: to treat in an autoclave