First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
sterile
adjective ster·ile \ˈster-əl, chiefly British -ˌī(-ə)l\
: not able to produce crops or plants
: not able to produce children, young animals, etc.
: not able to grow or develop
Full Definition of STERILE
1
a : failing to bear or incapable of producing fruit or spores b : failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring <a sterile hybrid> c : incapable of germinating <sterile spores> d of a flower : neither perfect nor pistillate
2
a : unproductive of vegetation <a sterile arid region> b : free from living organisms and especially microorganisms <a sterile syringe> c : lacking in stimulating emotional or intellectual quality : lifeless <a sterile work of art>
— ster·ile·ly \-ə(l)-lē\ adverb
— ste·ril·i·ty \stə-ˈri-lə-tē\ noun
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Origin of STERILE
Middle English steryle, from Latin sterilis; akin to Gothic stairo barren animal, Sanskrit starī sterile cow
Related to STERILE
Other Microbiology Terms
STERILITY Defined for Kids
sterile
adjective ster·ile \ˈster-əl\
Definition of STERILE for Kids
1
: not able to produce fruit, crops, or offspring : not fertile <sterile soil>
2
: free from living germs <a sterile bandage>
Medical Dictionary
sterile
adjective ster·ile \ˈster-əl, chiefly British -ˌīl\
Medical Definition of STERILE
1
: failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring <a sterile hybrid>—compare infertile
2
: free from living organisms and especially microorganisms <a sterile syringe> <a sterile cyst>
—ster·ile·ly \-əl-(l)ē\ adverb
—ste·ril·i·ty \stə-ˈril-ət-ē\ noun, plural ste·ril·i·ties
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