Meaning & Definition of Sterile in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Not able to produce offspring or fruit.

  Example Sentence: The soil in that region is too sterile to support crops.

• Definition: Free from germs; disinfected.

  Example Sentence: The medical instruments must be sterile before the operation.

• Definition: Lacking in imagination, creativity, or excitement.

  Example Sentence: The film's plot was sterile and predictable.

• Definition: Incapable of producing a viable seed or fruit.

  Example Sentence: Some hybrids are sterile and cannot reproduce.

• Definition: Not conducive to growth or development.

  Example Sentence: The conversation was sterile, offering no new ideas.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'sterilis', meaning 'barren, unproductive'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• sterile environment: A place that is completely free from bacteria or pathogens.
• sterile technique: A method used in laboratories and medical settings to prevent contamination.
• sterile conscience: A lack of moral or ethical considerations.

Translations

• Spanish: estéril

• French: stérile

• German: steril

• Russian: стерильный

Related Words

• aseptic: Free from contamination caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

• barren: Unable to produce or incapable of producing offspring or fruit.

• infertile: Not able to conceive or incapable of sustaining growth.

Slang Meanings of sterile

• Meaning: Dull or uninteresting.

  Example Sentence: That meeting was so sterile, I nearly fell asleep.

• Meaning: Emotionally flat or uninspiring.

  Example Sentence: The sterile atmosphere of the office made it hard to be creative.