germfree

American  

[jurm-free, -free] / ˈdʒɜrmˈfri, -ˌfri /

Or germ-free

adjective

1. free of germs; sterile.

   This kind of research should be done in a germfree laboratory.

2. (of experimental animals) born and raised under sterile conditions.

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Etymology

Origin of germfree

First recorded in 1930–35; germ + -free

Example Sentences

If you take mice that are germfree, those that have a sterile gut with no commensal bacteria, the phenomenon of oral tolerance does not occur.

From Scientific American • Feb. 23, 2015

It was Reyniers, 53, who pioneered in germfree animal work for 30 years at the University of Notre Dame.

From Time Magazine Archive

If it is to live germfree, an animal must be born germfree.

From Time Magazine Archive

Examples: perfect ball bearings, formed outside the distorting pull of gravity; mixing pure Pharmaceuticals in the germfree vacuum of space.

From Time Magazine Archive

To get a germfree line started, researchers have to deliver germfree young by Caesarean section.

From Time Magazine Archive