sterilization

noun

ster·​il·​i·​za·​tion ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce sterilization (audio)
plural sterilizations
1
: the act or process of sterilizing: such as
a
: the rendering of something free from viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
The hospital's standard method for cleaning surgical equipment is a five-step process that includes ultrasound, washing with detergents and enzymes, and sterilization in an autoclave.Kay Lazar and Chelsea Conaboy
Ethylene oxide … is a gas used widely to sterilize surgical equipment that can't tolerate steam sterilization.Science News
b
: a procedure by which a living organism is made incapable of reproduction
While I'm sure the pets aren't too keen on the procedure, sterilization avoids unwanted animals …, prevents some health problems in older pets, and helps to prevent aggressive behavior that some owners might use as a reason for euthanasia or abuse.Jil McIntosh
The sterile insect technique … is a species-specific and environmentally nonpolluting method of insect control that relies on the mass rearing, sterilization, and release of large numbers of insects.Dean D. Thomas et al.
According to the 1995 Canadian Contraception Study, vasectomy has overtaken tubal ligation in every province except the Maritimes as the preferred method of sterilization.Michael Jabri-Picket
Under the law upheld by the Supreme Court in 1927, the state of Virginia continued to perform forced, involuntary sterilizations until 1972.Laurence H. Tribe
2
: the condition of one that is sterile or sterilized
Once used as an antimalarial drug in World War II, quinacrine is known to cause irreversible sterilizationPraful Bidwai

Examples of sterilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Our experts agree, thorough washing in hot soapy water is far more important than sterilization. Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 The health risks of using ethylene oxide for sterilization are mostly to the person who is doing the task or running the sterilization equipment, added Alan. Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 2 Feb. 2024 Even under 19th-century lab conditions, where sterilization techniques were not perfect and little was known about what food bacteria need to survive, this microbe was easy to cultivate and grow quickly. Megan Keller, The Conversation, 5 July 2023 Debra knew about the history of coerced sterilization in America, of doctors persuading women of color to undergo unnecessary hysterectomies or performing the surgeries against their will. Longreads, 4 Jan. 2024 Each sterilization costs around $40 million pesos, or $10,000 dollars. Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 6 Dec. 2023 Even when the law is strict, sterilization sometimes continues. Sarah Hurtes, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023 Each sterilization will cost an average of about 40 million pesos (about $10,000), per the statement. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023 The plan began with the sterilization of 40 hippos shortly after the November announcement, according to the AP. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sterilization.' 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

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterilization was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near sterilization

Cite this Entry

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

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