presterilize

verb

pre·​ster·​il·​ize ˌprē-ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce presterilize (audio)
variants or pre-sterilize
presterilized or pre-sterilized; presterilizing or pre-sterilizing

transitive verb

: to make (something) sterile in advance
The jars should be presterilized.
They always presterilize the instruments.
presterilization noun
or pre-sterilization
presterilization of lab equipment
presterilized adjective
or pre-sterilized
using presterilized containers

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of presterilize was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near presterilize

Cite this Entry

“Presterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presterilize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!