Sterile
As an Adjective
- Completely free from bacteria or germs; clean and sanitized.
- Unable to produce offspring (infertile).
- Lacking creativity, excitement, or life.
- Incapable of producing useful results; unproductive.
Word History
The word sterile comes from the Latin sterilis, meaning “barren” or “unproductive.” It was originally used to describe land that could not grow crops and later expanded to include medical cleanliness and lack of fertility in living beings.
Examples
- Surgeons must use sterile instruments during operations.
- The land was too dry and sterile to grow crops.
- His speech felt sterile, lacking any real emotion.
- After years of trying, the couple discovered they were sterile and could not have children.
Synonyms
Sanitized, clean, infertile, barren, unproductive
Related Words
Disinfected, pure, lifeless, fruitless
Antonyms
Contaminated, fertile, creative, productive
