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Meaning of sterile in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈstɛrəl/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    sterile

    Definitions

    1. free of or using methods to keep free of pathological microorganisms

    Examples

    • « a sterile operating area »
    • « aseptic surgical instruments »
    • « aseptic surgical techniques »

    Synonyms

    • antiseptic
  2. 2. deficient in originality or creativity

    Examples

    • « lacking powers of invention »
    • « a sterile ideology lacking in originality »
    • « unimaginative development of a musical theme »
    • « uninspired writing »

    Synonyms

    • uncreative
  3. Qualitative Adjective

    sterile

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin sterilis; related to Greek steira‘barren cow’. sterile (sense 2) dates from the late 19th century

    Definitions

    1. incapable of reproducing

    Examples

    • « an infertile couple »

    Synonyms

    • sterilized
    • sterilised
    • unfertilized
    • unfertilised
    • unimpregnated
    • barren

    Antonyms

    • fertile

See also

  • unfruitful
  • impotent
  • unproductive

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