sterilise
|ster-i-lise|
🇺🇸
/ˈstɛɹəˌlaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈstɛrəˌlaɪz/
make sterile / make free from life
Etymology
'sterilise' originates from Modern French, specifically the word 'stériliser,' which was used in scientific contexts in the 18th–19th centuries.
'sterilise' ultimately derives from Latin 'sterilis' meaning 'barren' or 'unfruitful'; Medieval Latin forms such as 'sterilisare' and French 'stériliser' influenced the modern English verb.
Initially related to the idea of 'barrenness' or 'unfruitfulness' (from Latin), it later developed the technical senses of 'making free from living microorganisms' and 'rendering infertile', which are the current primary meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or result of sterilising; often used as 'sterilisation' (process) or 'steriliser' (device).
They invested in a new steriliser to improve lab hygiene.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to make something free from bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms; to make sterile (especially by heat, chemicals, or radiation).
Please sterilise the surgical instruments before the operation.
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Verb 2
to make an animal or person unable to produce offspring (to neuter or spay).
Many animal shelters sterilise cats and dogs before adoption.
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Last updated: 2025/11/21 22:29