sterilization

American  

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

noun

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

• nonsterilization noun
• resterilization noun

Etymology

Origin of sterilization

First recorded in 1870–75; sterile + -ization

Example Sentences

In females, several forms of sterilization were associated with longer lives, suggesting that the benefit comes from avoiding the intense physical demands of pregnancy, nursing, and reproductive cycling.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

When the time comes, these words from Ms. Antonetta will merit consideration: “Programs of euthanasia and sterilization don’t just live in the past, terrible but finished. Their aftershocks are terrible and here.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Power outages are common, and many hospitals run short of nursing staff or consumables such as water and alcohol for sterilization.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 27, 2024

Sometimes it was granted on the condition that the patient agree to permanent sterilization after the procedure.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2024

There are possibilities, too, that insects of medical importance might be controlled by sterilization.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• castration
• infertility