An autoclave is an instrument that is used to sterilize laboratory equipment or samples (like media for growing cell cultures) by producing high pressure steam.

The autoclave is usually run for 15-20 minutes with temperatures around 120 degrees celcius.

An autoclave is a machine that is used to sterilize large numbers of medical or research tools at one time. An autoclave uses super heated steam (above 120 degrees Celsius) under high pressure. The machine can sterilize surgical equipment, laboratory glassware and tool, or patient care supplies in 15-20 minutes, with some autoclaves capable of sterilizing in as little as 3 minutes using higher temperatures and pressure).

The word 'autoclave' come from the Greek word for "key", as the machine is usually 'locks itself' automatically.