unsterile

adjective

un·​ster·​ile ˌən-ˈster-əl How to pronounce unsterile (audio)
 chiefly British  -ˌī(-ə)l
: not free from living organisms and microorganisms : not sterile
an unsterile instrument
an operation done in an unsterile environment

Examples of unsterile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%: A special tool designated for those with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, a small subset of these eye drops are being voluntarily recalled as faulty caps may lead to unsterile solutions that may cause similar symptoms. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 25 Mar. 2023 The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, worried about side effects and unsterile production procedures, has banned a phase 2 clinical trial of the method, developed by former Minister of Health Terawan Putranto, who also invented an unproven and potentially harmful stroke therapy. Dyna Rochmyaningsih, Science | AAAS, 28 Apr. 2021 There have also been reports of black market silicone injections, which are done illegally and in typically unsterile environments – further increasing the risk for health problems. Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2023 There is also a risk that the contact lens and packing solution may become unsterile. Yoni Heisler, BGR, 19 May 2021 Hale led a project focused on eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease usually caused when the umbilical cord is cut with an unsterile instrument. Kaitlin Lange, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Aug. 2020 Three former Fillakit employees said that its process was unsterile. Ryan Gabrielson, ProPublica, 18 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsterile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsterile was circa 1934

Dictionary Entries Near unsterile

Cite this Entry

“Unsterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsterile. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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