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sterilize

[ster-uh-lahyz]
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verb (used with object), ster·i·lized, ster·i·liz·ing.

to destroy microorganisms in or on, usually by bringing to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid.
to destroy the ability of (a person or animal) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions.
to make (land) barren or unproductive.
Informal. to delete or remove anything comprising or damaging from: to sterilize a government document before releasing it to the press.
Informal. to isolate or completely protect from unwanted, unauthorized, or unwholesome activities, attitudes, influences, etc.: You can't sterilize children against violence.

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RELATED WORDS

disinfectant, preservative, prophylactic, purifier, detergent, preventative, germicide, bactericide, preventive

Nearby words

  1. sterile,
  2. sterile cyst,
  3. sterilely,
  4. sterility,
  5. sterilization,
  6. sterilizer,
  7. sterlet,
  8. sterling,
  9. sterling area,
  10. sterling bloc
Also especially British, ster·i·lise.

Origin of sterilize

First recorded in 1685–95; sterile + -ize
Related forms
Can be confusedimpotence sterility sterilized
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for sterilizer

British Dictionary definitions for sterilizer

sterilizer

steriliser

noun

a person, substance, or device that sterilizes

sterilize

sterilise

verb

(tr) to render sterile; make infertile or barren
Derived Formssterilizable or sterilisable, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for sterilizer

sterilize

v.

"destroy the fertility of," 1690s (in reference to soil), from sterile + -ize; of living things from 1828. Meaning "render free of microorganisms" is from 1878. Related: Sterilized; sterilizing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for sterilizer

sterilizer

[stĕr′ə-lī′zər]

n.

An apparatus for rendering objects aseptic.

sterilize

[stĕr′ə-līz′]

v.

To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.
To deprive a person or animal of the ability to produce offspring, as by removing the reproductive organs.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.