Main Entry: ster·ile

Pronunciation: \ˈster-əl, chiefly British -ˌīl\

Function: adjective

1 : failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring <a sterile hybrid>—compare infertile
2 : free from living organisms and especially microorganisms <a sterile syringe> <a sterile cyst>

—ster·ile·ly \-əl-(l)ē\ adverb

—ste·ril·i·ty \stə-ˈril-ət-ē\ noun, plural ste·ril·i·ties