Sterile
/ˈstɛraɪl/
Definitions
3 meaningsFree from bacteria or other living microorganisms; not capable of producing offspring.
/ˈstɛraɪl/
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
The operating room had to be perfectly sterile.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're cleaning your hands before surgery - that's making them sterile. It means something is super clean and free of germs so that it doesn't cause any problems.
👶 For kids: When something is sterile, it means it's super clean and free of tiny bugs that can make you sick.
More Examples
All equipment must be sterilized before use.
She carefully sterilized the baby bottles before feeding her child.
The scientist worked in a sterile environment to prevent contamination of the experiment.
How It's Used
"Surgical instruments must be sterile before use."
"The laboratory must be kept in a sterile environment."
Unable to produce offspring or to conceive.
/ˈstɛraɪl/
Unable to produce offspring.
The couple discovered they were unable to have children because the man was sterile.
💡 Simply: If someone is sterile, it means they can't have babies. Or a plant is sterile, it can't make seeds to grow new plants.
👶 For kids: When someone is sterile, it means they can't have babies.
More Examples
The doctor determined that she was sterile due to a medical condition.
The hybrid plant was sterile and unable to reproduce.
How It's Used
"After the operation, the patient became sterile."
"The mule is a sterile hybrid."
Lacking in imagination, creativity, or vitality; unproductive of results.
/ˈstɛraɪl/
Lacking in imagination or originality; dull.
The meeting was a sterile discussion of old ideas.
💡 Simply: If you describe something as sterile, you mean that it's boring or doesn't have any new or interesting ideas.
👶 For kids: When something is sterile, it means it's boring and doesn't have any fun ideas.
More Examples
The novel's plot felt sterile and uninspired.
The environment in the office was sterile and lacked any creativity.
The conversation was sterile, with no new ideas presented.
How It's Used
"The debate was sterile and offered no new ideas."
"The minimalist design was considered sterile by some critics."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sterile environment
An environment that is completely free from bacteria and other microorganisms.
"The laboratory required a sterile environment to ensure the accuracy of the experiments."
sterile procedure
A medical procedure that is performed under strict conditions to prevent infection.
"The doctor always uses a sterile procedure when he needs to stitch a wound."
From Latin *sterilis* 'barren, unfruitful,' of uncertain origin.
The word 'sterile' has been used in medical and agricultural contexts since the 17th century, initially referring to infertility in animals and plants.
Memory tip
Think of a sterilized surgical tool; it's clean and safe to use.
Word Origin
"barren, unfruitful"