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Sterilize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sterilize

[หˆsterษ™หŒlaษชz ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'sterilize'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.