ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sterile

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈstɛɹəɫ// UK //stˈɛɹaɪl// ster·ile

adj. completely clean and free from any bacteria or germs. It can also describe a place or thing that feels very plain and lacks any life or excitement.

adj. free from living germs or microorganisms; also used to describe an environment that lacks imagination, creativity, or emotional warmth.


SIMPLE

The surgeon needs a sterile environment for the operation.

CONTEXTUAL

The hospital room felt cold and sterile, with nothing on the white walls to make it feel welcoming.

COMPLEX

While the laboratory must remain sterile to prevent contamination of the samples, the researchers found the windowless office space equally sterile and difficult to work in for long hours.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French stérile, from Latin sterilis (“barren, futile”). See also Ancient Greek στεῖρα (steîra).

Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'remain' or 'feel'.

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