Definitions and Examples of sterile, clean
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Free from living microorganisms; completely clean and uncontaminated.
Example
The surgical equipment must be sterile to prevent infections.
Free from dirt, marks, or stains; hygienic and well-maintained.
Example
The kitchen must be kept clean to avoid food poisoning.
Key Differences: sterile vs clean
- 1Sterile refers to a complete absence of living microorganisms, while clean refers to the absence of dirt, marks, or stains.
- 2Sterile is often used in medical contexts, while clean can be used in various settings, such as homes, offices, and public spaces.
Effective Usage of sterile, clean
- 1Medical Settings: Use sterile to describe equipment, rooms, or procedures that require a complete absence of microorganisms.
- 2Hygiene and Sanitation: Use clean to describe surfaces, objects, or environments that require regular cleaning and maintenance.
- 3Food Safety: Use clean to describe food preparation areas, utensils, and ingredients that need to be free from contamination.
Remember this!
The antonyms of septic are sterile and clean. While sterile refers to a complete absence of living microorganisms, clean refers to the absence of dirt, marks, or stains. These words are useful in medical settings, hygiene and sanitation, and food safety contexts.