sterilization

American  

[ster-uh-luh-zey-shuhn] / ˌstɛr ə ləˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

sterilizations plural

1. the act of sterilizing.

2. the condition of being sterilized.

3. the destruction of all living microorganisms, as pathogenic or saprophytic bacteria, vegetative forms, and spores.

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sterilization British  

/ ˌstɛrɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or procedure of sterilizing or making sterile

2. the state of being sterile; sterilized condition

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sterilization Scientific  

/ stĕr′ə-lĭ-zā′shən /

1. The procedure of destroying all microorganisms in or on a given environment, such as a surgical instrument, in order to prevent the spread of infection. This is usually done by using heat, radiation, or chemical agents.

2. Any of various surgical procedures intended to eliminate the capacity to reproduce in humans or animals.

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sterilization Cultural  

1. The removal of all microorganisms and other pathogens from an object or surface by treating it with chemicals or subjecting it to high heat or radiation. Sterilization also refers to procedures that result in infertility. Vasectomies and tubal ligations, in which the fallopian tubes of a woman are tied off, are examples of sterilization techniques.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonsterilization
  noun
• resterilization
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• sterilizations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sterilization

First recorded in 1870–75; sterile + -ization

Related Words

• castration
• infertility