Sterilizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sterilizing

[ˈsterɪˌlaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

medical procedure

Sterilizing refers to the process of making something free from bacteria or other microorganisms, typically by using heat, chemicals, or radiation. It is commonly used in medical settings to ensure that surgical instruments, equipment, and surfaces are clean and safe for patient use.

Synonyms

decontaminating, disinfecting, sanitizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sterilizing	Best used in medical and scientific contexts where complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores, is necessary for safe operation. The surgical instruments are sterilized before each procedure. Sterilizing baby bottles is important to prevent infections.
disinfecting	Commonly used in everyday settings to describe the act of cleaning to kill most bacteria and viruses, especially on surfaces. Disinfecting kitchen counters is essential after preparing raw meat. Hospitals regularly disinfect high-touch areas to prevent the spread of germs.
sanitizing	Generally used in food preparation and hygiene contexts where reducing the number of harmful microbes to a safe level is the goal. Restaurants must sanitize tables between customers. Sanitizing your hands before eating can reduce the risk of illness.
decontaminating	Appropriate for situations where hazardous or toxic substances, including chemicals or radioactive materials, need to be removed to prevent harm. The hazmat team is decontaminating the area after the chemical spill. Special protocols are followed when decontaminating equipment exposed to radiation.

Examples of usage

Before performing surgery, the medical team must sterilize all instruments.
Properly sterilizing equipment is crucial to preventing infections in healthcare facilities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sterilize' comes from the Latin word 'sterilis', meaning barren or unproductive.
It was first recorded in English in the 19th century, gaining prominence with advances in medical practices.
The concept of sterilization has roots in ancient civilizations where boiling water was used to purify tools and food.

Science

Sterilization methods vary, including using heat, chemicals, or radiation to eliminate all forms of microbial life.
Autoclaving, a common method, involves using steam under pressure to sterilize surgical instruments.
Different conditions and materials require specific sterilization methods; for example, metals are often sterilized with heat, while plastic may need chemicals.

History

In the late 19th century, Joseph Lister introduced antiseptic techniques in surgery, revolutionizing how infections were controlled.
During World War I, sterilization became crucial for treating wounds in field hospitals and reducing infection rates among soldiers.
With the development of vaccines in the 20th century, sterilization of equipment helped ensure the safety and efficacy of medical treatments.

Cultural Impact

Sterilization has sparked debates around personal choice, especially in reproductive health, highlighting ethical discussions on bodily autonomy.
In some cultures, certain forms of sterilization have been perceived as taboo, creating stigma surrounding the practice.
The rise of the clean living movement emphasizes the importance of sterilization in promoting good health and hygiene.

Technology

Ultraviolet light has emerged as a modern method of sterilization, often used in water purification systems.
Innovations in sterilization technology have led to the development of self-sterilizing surfaces in hospitals to combat healthcare-associated infections.
Robotic systems are increasingly being used to carry out sterilization in sensitive environments, ensuring precision and efficiency.

Translations

Translations of the word "sterilizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esterilização

🇮🇳 निर्जंतुकरण

🇩🇪 Sterilisation

🇮🇩 sterilisasi

🇺🇦 стерилізація

🇵🇱 sterylizacja

🇯🇵 滅菌 (めっきん)

🇫🇷 stérilisation

🇪🇸 esterilización

🇹🇷 sterilizasyon

🇰🇷 멸균 (myeolgyun)

🇸🇦 تعقيم

🇨🇿 sterilizace

🇸🇰 sterilizácia

🇨🇳 消毒 (xiāodú)

🇸🇮 sterilizacija

🇮🇸 sótthreinsun

🇰🇿 стерилизация

🇬🇪 სტერილიზაცია

🇦🇿 sterilizasiya

🇲🇽 esterilización

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,382, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23379 expansionist
23380 wakefulness
23381 forsooth
23382 sterilizing
23383 indent
23384 moult
23385 largo
...