sterilize
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ster·il·ize
transitive verb \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\ster·il·izedster·il·iz·ing
Definition of STERILIZE
: to make sterile: as a : to cause (land) to become unfruitful b (1) : to deprive of the power of reproducing <surgically sterilize cats and dogs> (2) : to make incapable of germination c : to make powerless or useless usually by restraining from a normal function, relation, or participation d : to free from living microorganisms
— ster·il·i·za·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
— ster·il·iz·er \ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər\ noun
Examples of STERILIZE
- The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
First Known Use of STERILIZE
1695
ster·il·ize
transitive verb (Medical Dictionary)ster·il·izedalso British ; ster·il·ised; ster·il·iz·ingalso British ; ster·il·is·ing
Medical Definition of STERILIZE
: to make sterile: a : to deprive of the power of reproducing b : to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents) <sterilize a surgical instrument>
—ster·il·iza·tion \ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ (audio pronunciation) also British ster·il·isa·tion \-ˌlī-ˈ\ (audio pronunciation) noun
Variants of STERILIZE
ster·il·ize also British ster·il·ise \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\ (audio pronunciation)
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