sterilize

verb

ster·​il·​ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sterilize (audio)
sterilized; sterilizing

transitive verb

: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as
a
: to free from all viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
sterilize surgical instruments in an autoclave
b(1)
: to deprive of the power of reproducing through surgery
sterilize cats and dogs
(2)
: to make incapable of germination
studied the effects of sterilizing wheat florets
c
: to cause (land) to become unfruitful
There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.Christine Colasurdo

Examples of sterilize in a Sentence

The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web Ethylene oxide is a gas used to sterilize roughly half of all medical devices and is also used to ensure the safety of certain spices and other food products. Matthew Daly, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Pasteurization heats the milk to kill off the resident bacteria, sterilizing it, but these microbes are believed to produce their own lactase enzymes that can facilitate digestion. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024 Courtesy Bea Amma The bacterium is also often connected to cosmetic procedures that involve injections if the equipment is not sterilized properly, said Dr. Claire Brown, an infectious disease expert at UCLA. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 1 Jan. 2024 Use a plastic scrubber or bristle brush (the boiling water will sterilize your Dutch oven) to clean out the rest and wipe it with a towel. Pete Zimowsky, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Price at time of publication: $70 The Details: Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 11 inches Heating method: Steam Special features: Also sterilizes, warms baby food Auto shutoff? Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 18 Sep. 2023 Launching their beauty line in 2000, their first collection of single-use skincare products and lip balms wrapped in sterilized, disposable packaging was quickly discontinued. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 6 Feb. 2024 The government’s goal is to sterilize 40 hippos a year. Michael Levenson, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023 Our skin was red from just trying to, like, sterilize. Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sterilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterilize was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near sterilize

Cite this Entry

“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sterilize

verb
ster·​il·​ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sterilize (audio)
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make sterile: as
a
: to deprive of the power of reproduction
had their cat sterilized
b
: to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria)
sterilize the dental instruments
sterilization noun

Medical Definition

sterilize

transitive verb
ster·​il·​ize
variants also British sterilise
sterilized also British sterilised; sterilizing also British sterilising
: to make sterile:
a
: to deprive of the power of reproducing
b
: to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents)
sterilize a surgical instrument
sterilization noun
also British sterilisation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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