Sterilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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sterilize

[ˈsterəˌlaɪz ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sterilize	Used when complete removal of all forms of microbial life including spores is required. Mostly used in medical, laboratory, or surgical contexts. The medical equipment must be sterilized before surgery The laboratory tools were sterilized to prevent contamination
sanitize	Refers to reducing the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, often used in food service and personal hygiene contexts. Make sure to sanitize your hands before eating The restaurant sanitizes its tables thoroughly after each customer
disinfect	Means to eliminate most or all pathogenic microorganisms, except spores, on non-living surfaces. Commonly used in everyday sanitation of household items and surfaces. Please disinfect the kitchen countertops after cooking The school hired a company to disinfect the classrooms
decontaminate	Refers to removing or neutralizing dangerous substances, including chemicals, radioactive materials, or pathogens. Often used in hazardous material management and environmental cleanup. The hazmat team decontaminated the area after the chemical spill Workers decontaminated their suits before leaving the site

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sterilize	Suitable for medical or technical contexts where elimination of all forms of life, particularly bacteria, is required. Also used in veterinary contexts to indicate the process that renders an animal incapable of reproducing. The surgical instruments must be sterilized before the operation. We decided to sterilize our cat to prevent unwanted kittens.
neuter	Commonly used in veterinary contexts referring to the removal of an animal's reproductive organs, applicable to both male and female animals. Neutral in tone. We took our cat to the vet to get neutered. Most shelters neuter their animals before putting them up for adoption.
spay	Specific to the surgical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs. Used in veterinary contexts. Our dog was spayed last month to avoid any future litters. It is important to spay your pets to control the pet population.
fix	Colloquial term often used in casual conversations about pet reproductive surgery. Can imply solving a problem or making something permanent. We need to fix our dog so he doesn't run off after females in heat. The garage finally fixed the issue with my car's engine.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sterilis', meaning barren or unproductive, which relates to removing harmful elements.
It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, related to medical practices of the time.

Science

Heat is a common method for sterilization, often used in laboratories and hospitals to kill bacteria.
Chemical sterilization involves using substances like bleach to eliminate germs, highly useful in dental offices.
Radiation is also employed to sterilize surgical instruments and medical devices, ensuring they are free of contamination.

Health and Safety

Sterilization is crucial in hospitals to prevent infections during surgeries, protecting patients from harmful bacteria.
In response to pandemics, sterilization practices have grown in importance beyond healthcare, extending into everyday settings like restaurants and public spaces.

Cultural References

In many cultures, the idea of cleansing or purifying is linked to health and spiritual well-being.
Various rituals globally involve purification, symbolically linking cleanliness to safety and divine favor.

Technology

Autoclaves are specialized machines used in hospitals to sterilize equipment through high-pressure steam.
The rise of AI technology is leading to developments in sterilization robots that can autonomously clean spaces, particularly in healthcare environments.

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

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.

...
25884 warren
25885 outrageously
25886 medico
25887 sterilize
25888 kiosk
25889 profligacy
25890 uncooperative
...