Stérile (en. Sterile)

/steʁil/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
That is devoid of all forms of life.
This surface is sterile; it has been disinfected.
Cette surface est stérile, elle a été désinfectée.
That does not produce fruit or seeds.
He has a sterile plant that never produces flowers.
Il a une plante stérile qui ne donne jamais de fleurs.
In medicine, refers to an environment free of germs.
The procedure was performed in a sterile environment to avoid infections.
L'intervention a été faite dans un milieu stérile pour éviter les infections.

Etymology

From Latin 'sterilis', meaning 'not producing'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sterile field
Land that produces nothing.
champ stérile
sterile mind
A mind that lacks creativity or imagination.
esprit stérile

Related Words

sterilization
Process that makes something sterile.
stérilisation
sterilely
In a sterile manner.
stérilement
sterility
State of that which is sterile.
stérilité

Slang Meanings

Refers to a situation or environment that is cold, lifeless.
That evening was so sterile, I couldn't have fun.
Cette soirée était tellement stérile, je n'ai pas pu m'amuser.
Used to describe a person who is not creative.
He makes such sterile jokes; it's tedious.
Il fait des blagues si stériles, c'est lassant.