sterilization

noun

ster·​il·​i·​za·​tion ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

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 sterilization …

—Praful Bidwai

Examples of sterilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The state cited 16 hospitals for sterilization problems from 2019 to May 2024. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 25 July 2025

About 18 to 19% of the population uses sterilization as a form of contraception, says OB-GYN Dr. Nazaneen Homaifar, and sterilization rates among women increased following the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, according to a Columbia University study. —David Oliver, USA Today, 10 July 2025

Reimbursements for up to two vaccinations given at the same time as sterilization are $15 each for a total of $30. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025

In a 2024 report, the EPA wrote many medical sterilization facilities in the United States are located near residences, schools and communities with environmental justice concerns. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sterilization

• pre-sterilization

Rhymes for sterilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration