self-cleaningn.
/ˌsɛlfˈkliːnɪŋ/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfˈklinɪŋ/ The action or process of something cleaning itself automatically; the property of being self-cleaning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > other cleaning methods, devices, or substances > [noun] > methods
steam cleaning1835
self-cleansing1837
self-cleaning1843
pickling1881
ion bombardment1952
1843 Prize-ess. & Trans. Highland & Agric. Soc. Scotl. 14 363 This machine derives an advantage from a corresponding length of tine, which..gives it the property of self-cleaning.
1895 Paving & Munic. Engin. Mar. 208/2 The curve should be made..inside the man-hole, which would give an advantage to the self-cleaning of the sewer.
1925 Trans. Amer. Microsc. Soc. 44 214 The question of greatest importance concerns the role played by the bacteria in the self cleaning of the organ.
1960 Farmer & Stockbreeder 15 Mar. 119/2 The self-cleaning action of the slats has not been particularly evident.
1971 Engineering Apr. 31/1 So far, cost and complexity have ruled out self-cleaning [for vending machines].
2001 Ecography 24 166/2 Some dilution and self-cleaning of sewage occurs in the course of the river.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
self-cleaningadj.
/ˌsɛlfˈkliːnɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈˌsɛlfˈklinɪŋ/ That cleans itself; designed to keep itself clean automatically.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > [adjective] > self-cleaning
self-cleansing1799
self-cleaning1822
1822 Kelso Mail 7 Oct. 4/4 A piece of ground..which was particularly adapted for shewing the superior excellence of the self-cleaning plough.
1898 L. S. Robertson tr. L. E. Bertin Marine Boilers iv. 91 Self-cleaning grates with movable bars have been used in America.
1930 Daily Express 6 Oct. 7/5 (advt.) The Ewbank Success sweeper is fitted with ball bearings, a self-cleaning brush and rubber protectors.
1979 Arizona Daily Star 5 Aug. (Advt. section) 17/7 Self-cleaning patio pool, landscaped, block wall.
2013 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 4 Aug. (Travel section) 8/5 Free, self-cleaning public toilets.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1843adj.1822