Sterility: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.