1. the process of making something completely free from bacteria or other living microorganisms
Usage: medical; scientific
2. a medical procedure that makes a person or animal unable to reproduce
Usage: medical
3. the process of making soil unable to support plant growth
Usage: agricultural; scientific

Examples

• The hospital requires sterilization of all surgical instruments.
• Heat sterilization is commonly used in laboratories.
• The veterinarian recommended sterilization for the pet cat.
• Sterilization procedures are performed under anesthesia.
• Chemical sterilization of the soil prevented any plant growth.
• The sterilization process took several hours to complete.
• Proper sterilization prevents the spread of infection.