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Sterility - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sterility refers to the state of being completely free from living microorganisms, ensuring cleanliness and safety. It can also describe the inability to reproduce or produce offspring.

sterility

/stəˈrɪləti/ /stəˈrɪlɪti/

Definition:

The state of being free from living microorganisms or unable to produce offspring.

Synonyms:

asepsis, infertility, barrenness, cleanliness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

fertility, contamination

Common Collocations:

surgical sterility, complete sterility, maintain sterility, test for sterility

Derivatives:

sterile, sterilize, sterilization

Usage Tips:

Use "sterility" to describe medical cleanliness or biological inability to reproduce; avoid confusion with general cleanliness.

Common Phrases:

clinical sterility, absolute sterility, laboratory sterility

Etymology:

From Latin "sterilitas," meaning unfruitfulness or barrenness; related to "sterilis" (barren).

Examples:

  • 1. The lab ensured complete sterility before the experiment.
  • 2. Sterility is crucial in operating rooms to prevent infections.
  • 3. Some medications can cause temporary sterility in patients.
  • 4. The scientist tested the equipment for any breach in sterility.

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