What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Scour vs Disinfect - What's the difference?

scour | disinfect |

As verbs the difference between scour and disinfect

is that scour is to clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously while disinfect is to sterilize by the use of cleaning agent.

As a noun scour

is the removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.

scour

English

Alternative forms

* scower (obsolete)

Verb

(en verb)
  • To clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously.
  • He scoured the burner pans to remove the burnt spills.
  • To remove by rubbing or cleansing; to sweep along or off.
  • He scoured the burnt food from the pan.
  • * Shakespeare
  • [I will] stain my favors in a bloody mask, / Which, washed away, shall scour my shame with it.
  • To search an area thoroughly.
  • They scoured the scene of the crime for clues.
  • (ambitransitive) To move swiftly over; to brush along.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • when swift Camilla scours the plain
  • * Dryden
  • So four fierce coursers, starting to the race, / Scour through the plain, and lengthen every pace.
  • (veterinary medicine) Of livestock, to suffer from diarrhea.
  • If a lamb is scouring , do not delay treatment.
  • (veterinary medicine) To purge.
  • to scour a horse
  • (obsolete) To cleanse.
  • * Francis Bacon
  • Warm water is softer than cold, for it scoureth better.

    Derived terms

    * scourer

    Noun

    (-)
  • The removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.
  • Bridge scour may scoop out scour holes and compromise the integrity of the bridge.

    disinfect

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To sterilize by the use of cleaning agent.