sanitizer
UK[ˈsænɪtaɪzə(r)]US[ˈsænɪtaɪzər]
n
a substance used for cleaning something in order to destroy bacteria
n
a liquid for cleaning your hands in order to destroy bacteria, often used without water
Morpheme Breakdown
sanit
ize
er
sanit
clean, healthy
ize
verb suffix
er
agent noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'sanitizer' is built upon the latin root sanitas, meaning 'health'. the suffix -ize transforms the concept into a verb, meaning 'to make healthy or clean'. finally, the agent suffix -er is added to denote an object or substance that performs this action. thus, the literal progression from 'health' to 'an agent that makes things healthy' clearly illustrates the modern meaning of a substance that cleanses by destroying germs. this construction follows a classic english pattern of creating technical or commercial terms from classical roots.
Analysis
Structure: sanit (clean, healthy) + ize (verb suffix) + er (agent noun suffix)
sanit (from latin sanitas meaning 'health'), ize (verb-forming suffix from greek -izein via latin -izare), er (agent noun suffix from old english -ere)
Examples
she always carries a small bottle of hand sanitizer in her bag.
the hospital uses a powerful surface sanitizer to prevent the spread of infection.
the new sanitizer claims to kill 99.9% of common bacteria.