Definitions for sterilize
ˈstɛr əˌlaɪzster·il·ize

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. sterilize, steriliseverb

   make free from bacteria

2. sterilize, sterilise, desex, unsex, desexualize, desexualise, fixverb

   make infertile

   "in some countries, people with genetically transmissible disabilites are sterilized"

GCIDERate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Sterilizeverb

   To destroy all spores or germs on (a surface) by wetting with an antiseptic liquid, such as an alcoholic solution.

2. Sterilizeverb

   (Biol.) To deprive of the power of reproducing; to render incapable of germination or fecundation; to make sterile.3. (Microbiology, Medicine) To destroy all spores or germs in (an organic fluid or mixture) or on (a medical instrument), as by heat, so as to prevent contamination by bacteria or other organisms. A common method of sterilization in laboratories and medical facilities is to heat a liquid sample or an instrument in an autoclave.

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. sterilizeverb

   To deprive a male or female the ability to procreate.

2. sterilizeverb

   To make unable to produce. To make unprofitable.

3. sterilizeverb

   To kill, deactivate (denature), or destroy (break apart) all living, viable microorganisms and spores that would be on a surface, in a fluid, or contained in a compound, such as culture media or a medical product.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. To Sterilizeverb

   To make barren; to deprive of fecundity, or the power of production.

   Etymology: from steril.

   May we not as well suppose the sterilizing the earth was suspended for some time, ’till the deluge became the executioner of it? John Woodward, Natural History.

   Go! sterilize the fertile with thy rage. Richard Savage.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Sterilizeverb

   to make sterile or unproductive; to impoverish, as land; to exhaust of fertility

2. Sterilizeverb

   to deprive of the power of reproducing; to render incapable of germination or fecundation; to make sterile

3. Sterilizeverb

   to destroy all spores or germs in (an organic fluid or mixture), as by heat, so as to prevent the development of bacterial or other organisms

4. Etymology: [Cf. F. striliser.]

Dictionary of Military and Associated TermsRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. sterilize

   1. In naval mine warfare, to permanently render a mine incapable of firing by means of a device (e.g., sterilizer) within the mine. 2. (DOD only) To remove from material to be used in covert and clandestine operations, marks or devices which can identify it as emanating from the sponsoring nation or organization.

Matched Categories

1. • Disinfect

Anagrams for sterilize »

1. listerize

How to pronounce sterilize?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say sterilize in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of sterilize in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of sterilize in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Examples of sterilize in a Sentence

1. Anthony Rossi:

   Heat is going to make the bacteria grow. It’s not hot enough to sterilize them, it’s really the washing with soap and water (that you need) — and with hot water, especially, because it’s going to help loosen that dirt and sebum and really get rid of bacteria.

2. Fabrice:

   Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?

3. Jim Hill:

   I've never seen a bill that attempted to sterilize a person, male or female.

4. Salvador Dalí:

   It is good taste, and good taste alone, that possesses the power to sterilize and is always the first handicap to any creative functioning.

5. Ron Hood:

   What we are concerned about here is that Ohio's most vulnerable children are being subjected to experimental, unproven and expensive treatments and surgeries, this bill is dealing with children under 18, who would be subjected to these procedures which are irreversible, and these decisions are obviously being made by children. The best suicide prevention is to cure and guide, not to sterilize.

Popularity rank by frequency of use