Main Entry: ster·il·ize

Pronunciation: \ˈster-ə-ˌlīz\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ster·il·ized; ster·il·iz·ing

Date: 1695

: 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