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.
sterilized
-
past participleof sterilize.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof sterilize.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
sterilizeverb (used with object)to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
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.
The agency also spearheaded the construction of fly-sterilization plants in Texas, which are designed to release sterilized New World screwworm flies into the wild and mitigate reproduction.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
That means the fish aren’t sterilized by cooking before they are packaged and sealed.
From Salon ● May 28, 2026
Another group of eight aging mice served as controls and received sterilized fecal material instead.
From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026
A handful of deer in Avalon, Catalina’s only city, will be sterilized and allowed to live out their days on the island.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026
Some of the stores were old with graceful eaves and cornices; others had been modernized or sterilized with plate glass windows and neon; still others were new.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
