ETYM French, from Greek aytos self + Latin clavis key.
A tank-like device for heating substances above their boiling point; used to manufacture chemicals or sterilize surgical instruments.
An apparatus in which special conditions (as high or low pressure or temperature) can be established for a variety of applications.
Apparatus for cooking or sterilizing instruments at high pressure.
Pressurized vessel that uses superheated steam to sterilize materials and equipment such as surgical instruments. It is similar in principle to a pressure cooker.
An apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated steam under high pressure.

To subject to the action of an autoclave.