Meaning & use

Sterilization

noun·Academic

Last updated

The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life from an object or surface, or the process of making a living being unable to reproduce.

See it in a sentence

Surgical instruments undergo sterilization in an autoclave before every operation.

The clinic offers sterilization procedures for pet owners looking to prevent unwanted litters.

A note on using this word

The word covers two distinct uses: destroying microorganisms (medical and food safety) and preventing reproduction (biological/veterinary).

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