sterilizing
|ster/i/liz/ing|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈstɛrəˌlaɪzɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈstɛrɪˌlaɪzɪŋ/
(sterilize)
make free from microorganisms
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sterilize' originates from French, specifically the word 'stériliser', where 'stérile' meant 'barren'.
Historical Evolution
'stériliser' transformed into the English word 'sterilize' in the 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make barren or infertile', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make free from bacteria or other living microorganisms'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'sterilize'.
The doctor is sterilizing the surgical instruments.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45