sterile
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
completely clean and free from bacteria or other living things that could cause infection.
free from all living or viable microorganisms; clinically clean.
Simple“The surgeon made sure all the tools were sterile before the operation started.”
In context“Maintaining a sterile environment in the operating theatre is paramount to preventing post-operative infections in vulnerable patients.”
UsageOften used to describe medical equipment, environments, or dressings.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
unable to have babies or produce seeds or fruit.
biologically incapable of reproduction or procreation.
Simple“Mules are sterile animals, meaning they cannot have offspring of their own.”
In context“The hybrid plant was intentionally bred to be sterile, ensuring that it would not spread uncontrollably into the surrounding ecosystem.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
lacking new ideas, excitement, or results.
fruitless, uninspiring, or lacking in creative or emotional stimulation.
Simple“The meeting was sterile and we didn't come up with any new plans.”
In context“Critics argued that the architect's latest design was sterile, lacking the human warmth and character found in his earlier works.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
an area, like in an airport, that is kept safe and free from dangerous objects.
denoting a secure zone, particularly in aviation, that has been cleared of prohibited items via security screening.
Simple“Once you pass through security, you are in the sterile area of the airport.”
In context“Passengers must remain within the sterile concourse once they have cleared the primary security checkpoint to ensure the integrity of the flight.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
weapons that are made in another country and cannot be traced back to their source.
referring to foreign-made weaponry or equipment that cannot be traced back to the supplying nation.
Simple“The agents were issued sterile weapons for the secret mission.”
In context“The intelligence agency provided the insurgents with sterile munitions to maintain plausible deniability regarding their involvement in the conflict.”
Synonymsuntraceabledeniable
From Middle French stérile, from Latin sterilis (“barren, futile”). See also Ancient Greek στεῖρα (steîra).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.