sterile
|ster-ile|
🇺🇸
/ˈstɛrəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈstɛraɪl/
free from bacteria or unproductive
Etymology
'sterile' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sterilis,' where 'sterilis' meant 'barren or unproductive.'
'sterilis' transformed into the Old French word 'sterile,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sterile' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'barren or unproductive,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'free from bacteria' and 'infertile.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; totally clean.
The surgical instruments must be sterile before use.
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Adjective 2
unable to produce offspring; infertile.
The couple discovered they were sterile after several tests.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40