Which word properly defines the process that kills most disease-producing organisms?

The correct answer is disinfection, which specifically refers to the process that kills most disease-producing organisms but not necessarily all of them. Disinfection is typically applied to inanimate objects and surfaces and involves the use of chemical agents or physical methods to eliminate or substantially reduce pathogenic microorganisms. This process is essential in various settings to maintain health and safety by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

In contrast, sanitation encompasses cleaning and reducing the number of bacteria to a safe level, often suitable for food preparation areas, but it doesn't specifically kill the organisms. Antisepsis involves applying antimicrobial substances to living tissues to prevent infection, which differs from disinfection's focus on surfaces. Sterilization is an even more rigorous process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, making it a higher level of microbial control than disinfection. Understanding these definitions clarifies why disinfection is the correct term for the intended process in the question.