Sterilized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งผ
sterilized
[หster.ษช.laษชzd ]
Definition
medical procedures
Sterilized refers to something that has been made free from bacteria or other living microorganisms. This term is commonly used in medical settings, where tools and environments need to be completely clean to prevent infection. Sterilization can be achieved through various methods, including heat, chemicals, or radiation. It's vital in hospitals and laboratories to ensure that procedures are safe and effective.
Synonyms
cleansed, disinfected, sanitized.
Examples of usage
- The surgeon used sterilized instruments during the operation.
- After sterilization, the lab equipment was safe for use.
- The sterilized environment helps reduce the risk of contamination.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Sterilization is essential in medical settings to prevent infections during surgeries.
- Common methods include autoclaving (using steam and pressure), dry heat, and chemical sterilants like ethylene oxide.
History
- The concept of sterilization in medicine became widely recognized in the 19th century with the advancements in germ theory.
- Joseph Lister, a pioneer of antiseptic surgery, promoted sterilization in clinical settings to reduce the risk of infection.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often use sterilized tools in surgery scenes to emphasize the importance of cleanliness.
- Usage of sterilization is also depicted in science fiction, where spaceships must be sterilized before exploring alien worlds to avoid contamination.
Psychology
- The need for cleanliness and sterilization reflects broader human anxieties about disease and contamination.
- Research indicates that fear of germs can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to cleaning and sterilizing.
Origin of 'sterilized'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sterilis,' which means 'barren' or 'unproductive,' reflecting the removal of all living matter.
- First recorded use in English was in the late 15th century, initially referring to making land unproductive, before shifting to its medical meaning.
The word 'sterilized' comes from the Latin word 'sterilis', which means 'barren' or 'unproductive'. It entered the English language in the late 19th century, aligning with advancements in medical science that required increased attention to cleanliness and hygiene. The development of surgical techniques and the recognition of germ theory underscored the importance of sterilization in preventing infections. As new techniques and methods for sterilization were developed, particularly in the 20th century, the term became integral to various industries beyond medicine, including food processing and environmental hygiene.