Final answer:
An autoclave is a high-pressure device that uses steam to superheat and sterilize items in about 15 minutes through moist-heat sterilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
An autoclave is a high-pressure device in which steam is superheated under pressure to kill microbes in about 15 minutes. Autoclaves rely on moist-heat sterilization to raise temperatures above the boiling point of water, effectively sterilizing items such as surgical equipment.
They are considered the most effective method of sterilization, especially for eliminating endospores.