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sterile

ster·ile

sterile

 
 
pronunciation:
ste rl
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: free of live germs or bacteria.
Dentists use sterile tools.
synonyms:
sanitary
antonyms:
contaminated, septic
similar words:
clean, disinfected, pure
definition 2: not able to produce children, plants, or fruit; not fertile.
This soil is sterile from too much use.
synonyms:
infertile
antonyms:
fertile
similar words:
fruitless
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: sterility (n.)
Word Builder: sterile +
  • sterilize:
    to make sterile.
Word Explorer
See
  bacteria, hygiene, reproduction