sterilize
verb (used with object)
to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
have sterilized
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present perfectof sterilize.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In any case, he said, the heat of the bullet may have sterilized the embedded fragments.
From New York Times ● Jan. 15, 2011
"When I have sterilized these instruments, young lady, we shall have a try for that bullet."
From Kildares of Storm by Eleanor Mercein Kelly
"We have sterilized water—we have everything," he explained.
From The Last Shot by Frederick Palmer
Although Halleck outlived Drake forty-seven years, trade seems to have sterilized Halleck's poetic power in his later life.
From History of American Literature by Reuben Post Halleck
