What is the term for the process that eliminates most, but not all, microorganisms?

The term that describes the process which eliminates most, but not all, microorganisms is disinfection. Disinfection is a critical part of infection control, as it involves the use of chemicals or other methods to destroy pathogens on surfaces and instruments, thereby reducing the risk of infection. It is important to note that while disinfection significantly reduces the number of viable microorganisms, it does not guarantee the complete elimination of all microbes, particularly resistant strains.

Sterilization, on the other hand, is a more rigorous process that aims to destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores. Sanitation typically refers to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, often encompassing both cleaning and disinfecting processes, but it does not focus solely on the elimination of pathogens. Decontamination includes both cleaning and disinfecting or sterilizing, depending on the level of microbial reduction required, but it can refer to a broader range of processes without a specific emphasis on just eliminating most microorganisms. Therefore, disinfection is the accurate term for the described process.