Answer
A vessel in which high heat and pressure [generated by converting water to steam] is used to sterilize objects.
A simple, basic descripton is that it is a fancy PRESSURE COOKER!
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It Depends
Since the inside of an autoclave is a pressure vessel, it is generally cylindrical until the size makes casting one piece impractiable, and building from parts begins; some autoclaves are the size and shape of walk in closets! The outside of an autoclave is usually a square or rectangle around the pressure vessel and contains piping, insulation and control valving. I have seen autoclaves that were shaped like a slice of bologna, with the same approximate height to radius ratio.
First answer by JEK. Last edit by Mothergaia. Contributor trust: 64 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 30 [recommend question]
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