Dictionary
sterilize
transitive verb ster·il·ize \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\
: to clean (something) by destroying germs or bacteria
: to make (someone or something) unable to produce children, young animals, etc.
ster·il·izedster·il·iz·ing
Full Definition of STERILIZE
: to make sterile: as a : to cause (land) to become unfruitful b (1) : to deprive of the power of reproducing <surgically sterilize cats and dogs> (2) : to make incapable of germination c : to make powerless or useless usually by restraining from a normal function, relation, or participation d : to free from living microorganisms
— ster·il·i·za·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
— ster·il·iz·er \ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər\ noun
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First Known Use of STERILIZE
1695
STERILIZED Defined for Kids
sterilize
verb ster·il·ize \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\
ster·il·izedster·il·iz·ing
Definition of STERILIZE for Kids
: to make sterile and especially free from germs
Medical Dictionary
sterilize
transitive verb ster·il·ize
ster·il·ized also British ster·il·isedster·il·iz·ing also British ster·il·is·ing
Medical Definition of STERILIZE
: to make sterile: a : to deprive of the power of reproducing b : to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents) <sterilize a surgical instrument>
—ster·il·iza·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ also British ster·il·isa·tion \-ˌlī-ˈ\ noun
Variants of STERILIZE
ster·il·ize also British ster·il·ise \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\
Learn More About STERILIZE
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Next Word in the Dictionary: Sterkfontein ape–manPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sterilizableAll Words Near: sterilize
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