sterilize
[ster-uh-lahyz]
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.
Also especially British, ster·i·lise.
Origin of sterilize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for sterilizer
disinfectant, preservative, prophylactic, purifier, detergent, preventative, germicide, sterilizer, bactericide, preventiveExamples from the Web for sterilizer
Historical Examples of sterilizer
After this they are taken out of the sterilizer, and are ready for distribution.
The nurse gathered up the last of the instruments and threw them in the sterilizer.
LeerieRuth Sawyer
The jars should be immediately placed in the sterilizer after being packed.
Every Step in CanningGrace Viall Gray
Steam rose in increased mists as one figure lifted back the lid of a sterilizer and dropped in some gleaming instruments.
The Affair of the BrainsAnthony Gilmore
Consult time table and at the end of the required sterilizing period remove the jars from the sterilizer.
A Little Preserving Book for a Little GirlAmy Waterman
sterilizer
steriliser
noun
sterilize
sterilise
verb
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
sterilize
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
sterilizer
[stĕr′ə-lī′zər]
n.
sterilize
[stĕr′ə-līz′]
v.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.