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Sterilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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sterilize

 

[ ˈsterəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical procedure

To sterilize means to make something free from bacteria or other microorganisms by using heat, chemicals, or radiation. It is commonly done to surgical instruments, medical equipment, and food to prevent the spread of infection.

Synonyms

decontaminate, disinfect, sanitize

Examples of usage

  • Before performing surgery, the doctor sterilizes all the instruments.
  • After the canning process, the food is sterilized to ensure it is safe for consumption.
Context #2 | Verb

reproductive process

To sterilize can also refer to the process of making a person or animal unable to produce offspring. This can be achieved through surgery or other methods to prevent reproduction.

Synonyms

fix, neuter, spay

Examples of usage

  • The veterinarian recommended sterilizing the cat to control the pet population.
  • After having three children, the couple decided to undergo sterilization.

Translations

Translations of the word "sterilize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esterilizar

🇮🇳 निष्फल करना

🇩🇪 sterilisieren

🇮🇩 mensterilkan

🇺🇦 стерилізувати

🇵🇱 sterylizować

🇯🇵 消毒する (しょうどくする)

🇫🇷 stériliser

🇪🇸 esterilizar

🇹🇷 sterilize etmek

🇰🇷 살균하다

🇸🇦 تعقيم

🇨🇿 sterilizovat

🇸🇰 sterilizovať

🇨🇳 消毒 (xiāodú)

🇸🇮 sterilizirati

🇮🇸 sótthreinsa

🇰🇿 стерильдеу

🇬🇪 სტერილიზება

🇦🇿 steril etmək

🇲🇽 esterilizar

Etymology

The word 'sterilize' originated from the Latin word 'sterilis', meaning 'barren' or 'unproductive'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century with the medical sense of making something free from living germs. Over time, the term expanded to include the reproductive context as well.

See also: sterility.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,887, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.