Sterility: meaning, definitions and examples

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sterility

[stɪˈrɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

The state or quality of being sterile; inability to produce offspring; incapacity for reproduction.

Synonyms

barrenness, infertility, sterilization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sterility	Used to describe an environment free from bacteria or germs, often in medical or scientific settings. Can also refer to the inability to produce offspring, applicable to both humans and animals. The surgeon ensured the sterility of the instruments before starting the operation. The research focuses on sterility in livestock.
infertility	Used specifically to describe the inability to conceive children or sustain a pregnancy. This term is often used in medical and personal contexts. After years of trying, they finally sought help for infertility. Infertility treatments can be physically and emotionally taxing.
barrenness	Used to describe land that is unable to produce vegetation or, less commonly, to describe a woman who cannot have children. This term can have a negative connotation when used to describe human infertility. The barrenness of the desert made it difficult for any plants to grow. She struggled with the emotional impact of her barrenness.
sterilization	Refers to a process or method of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms. It can also refer to a medical procedure to make a person or animal unable to reproduce. Sterilization of medical tools is crucial to prevent infections. The couple opted for sterilization as a permanent form of birth control.

Examples of usage

Sterility can be caused by various factors such as genetic disorders or hormonal imbalances.
Many couples struggle with the emotional impact of sterility when trying to conceive.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with sterility after conducting several tests.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The quality or condition of being free from living germs or microorganisms.

Synonyms

asepsis, cleanliness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sterility	Same as first entry; it emphasizes a complete absence of living organisms, often in a medical or laboratory setting. Sterility is essential for producing safe medical implants. The contamination was avoided due to the sterility of the work environment.
asepsis	Employ 'asepsis' in medical or clinical environments to refer specifically to practices aimed at preventing infection or contamination by pathogens. Asepsis is critical in wound care to prevent infection. The medical staff followed strict asepsis protocols during the procedure.
cleanliness	This word is more general and can be used in everyday contexts to indicate the state of being clean, free from dirt, or impurities. She takes great care in maintaining the cleanliness of her home. The cleanliness of the restaurant was impressive and reassuring.

Word

Description / Examples

sterility

Same as first entry; it emphasizes a complete absence of living organisms, often in a medical or laboratory setting.

Sterility is essential for producing safe medical implants.
The contamination was avoided due to the sterility of the work environment.

asepsis

Employ 'asepsis' in medical or clinical environments to refer specifically to practices aimed at preventing infection or contamination by pathogens.

Asepsis is critical in wound care to prevent infection.
The medical staff followed strict asepsis protocols during the procedure.

cleanliness

This word is more general and can be used in everyday contexts to indicate the state of being clean, free from dirt, or impurities.

She takes great care in maintaining the cleanliness of her home.
The cleanliness of the restaurant was impressive and reassuring.

Examples of usage

The sterility of the surgical instruments is crucial to prevent infections.
In laboratories, sterility is maintained to ensure accurate results of experiments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'sterilis', which means 'barren' or 'unproductive'.
The early use of the word in English dates back to the 14th century, referring to land that couldn't grow crops.

Science

In biology, sterility can occur in plants and animals due to genetic factors, environmental stress, or disease.
Medical procedures can create a sterile environment to prevent infection, particularly in surgeries.
In human reproduction, sterility can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, age, or genetic issues.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, sterility can carry social stigma, affecting personal identities and family structures.
Fertility treatments and alternative family planning methods are increasingly accepted in many societies, reshaping notions around reproduction.

Psychology

The psychological impact of sterility can lead to feelings of inadequacy, depression, or anxiety in individuals facing infertility challenges.
Support groups and counseling are beneficial for many dealing with the emotional aspects of sterility.

Literature

Sterility as a theme appears in literature to explore human relationships, identity, and existential questions.
In dystopian novels, sterility often symbolizes a loss of hope or the consequences of societal neglect.

Translations

Translations of the word "sterility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esterilidade

🇮🇳 निर्जनता

🇩🇪 Sterilität

🇮🇩 kemandulan

🇺🇦 стерильність

🇵🇱 sterylność

🇯🇵 無菌性 (むきんせい)

🇫🇷 stérilité

🇪🇸 esterilidad

🇹🇷 sterilite

🇰🇷 무균 상태

🇸🇦 تعقيم

🇨🇿 sterilita

🇸🇰 sterilita

🇨🇳 无菌

🇸🇮 sterilnost

🇮🇸 sýkingarvarnir

🇰🇿 стерильдік

🇬🇪 სტერილურობა

🇦🇿 sterillik

🇲🇽 esterilidad

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,553, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14550 braking
14551 curly
14552 repressive
14553 sterility
14554 livery
14555 advisability
14556 lyrical
...