Meaning & use
Sterilization
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).
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
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