sterile Definition
- 1free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; totally clean
- 2not able to produce children or young; not fertile
- 3showing no creativity or vitality; uninspired
Using sterile: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sterile" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The surgical instruments must be sterile to avoid infection.
Example
The couple was unable to conceive due to the husband's sterile condition.
Example
The meeting was sterile and unproductive.
Example
The artist's work had become sterile and lacked originality.
sterile Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for sterile
Antonyms for sterile
Phrases with sterile
a place that is completely free of bacteria or other living microorganisms
Example
The laboratory must maintain a sterile environment to avoid contamination.
a set of practices used in medical procedures to prevent contamination by bacteria or other living microorganisms
Example
The nurse followed sterile technique when inserting the catheter.
offspring that are unable to reproduce due to genetic abnormalities or other factors
Example
The genetically modified plants produced sterile offspring.
Origins of sterile
from Latin 'sterilis', meaning 'barren'
Summary: sterile in Brief
The adjective 'sterile' [ˈstɛrəl, -aɪl] has three main meanings. First, it refers to something that is free from bacteria or other living microorganisms, such as surgical instruments or a laboratory environment. Second, it describes a person or animal that is not able to produce children or young. Third, it can describe something that is lacking creativity or vitality, such as a meeting or an artist's work.
