[a. F. autoclave, f. Gr. αὐτο- (see AUTO-) self + L. clāvus nail (or) clāvis key; hence = ‘a self-fastening apparatus.’] A kind of French stew-pan with a steam-tight lid.
1880. Frisnell, in Soc. Arts Jrnl., 444. Strong cast-iron vessels, enamelled inside, and known as ‘autoclaves.’
