sterilization

noun

plural sterilizations
1
: the act or process of sterilizing: such as
a
: the rendering of something free from viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
The hospital's standard method for cleaning surgical equipment is a five-step process that includes ultrasound, washing with detergents and enzymes, and sterilization in an autoclave. Kay Lazar and Chelsea Conaboy
Ethylene oxide … is a gas used widely to sterilize surgical equipment that can't tolerate steam sterilization. Science News
b
: a procedure by which a living organism is made incapable of reproduction
While I'm sure the pets aren't too keen on the procedure, sterilization avoids unwanted animals …, prevents some health problems in older pets, and helps to prevent aggressive behavior that some owners might use as a reason for euthanasia or abuse. Jil McIntosh
The sterile insect technique … is a species-specific and environmentally nonpolluting method of insect control that relies on the mass rearing, sterilization, and release of large numbers of insects. Dean D. Thomas et al.
According to the 1995 Canadian Contraception Study, vasectomy has overtaken tubal ligation in every province except the Maritimes as the preferred method of sterilization. Michael Jabri-Picket
Under the law upheld by the Supreme Court in 1927, the state of Virginia continued to perform forced, involuntary sterilizations until 1972. Laurence H. Tribe
2
: the condition of one that is sterile or sterilized
Once used as an antimalarial drug in World War II, quinacrine is known to cause irreversible sterilization Praful Bidwai

Examples of sterilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These funds will directly support vital programs focused on rescue, sterilization and adoption of animals. Funnyfuzzy Contributor, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Pasteurization is a process of sterilization, during which milk is heated at temperatures ranging from 145°F to 280°F to kill any pathogens. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024 The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024 The provision prevents Tricare, the U.S. military healthcare program for personnel and their families, from undertaking procedures for children that could result in sterilization. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sterilization 

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterilization was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near sterilization

Cite this Entry

“Sterilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilization. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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