What is the process of eliminating or killing bacteria and other living organisms?

The process described in the question is best characterized by the term "sterilization." Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, from an object or environment. This is typically achieved through methods such as autoclaving, which uses high-pressure steam, or other chemical agents designed for full microbial kill.

In contrast, disinfection refers to the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms on a surface, but it does not necessarily kill all types of pathogens, particularly resistant spores. Purification generally refers to the removal of impurities, which might not solely involve killing organisms but could also include filtration and other techniques. Sanitization typically involves reducing the number of pathogens to a safe level as determined by public health standards, rather than completely eliminating them.

Thus, the term "sterilization" specifically denotes the total eradication of all living organisms, making it the correct choice in this context.