sterile

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science

adj. unable to have babies or produce seeds or fruit.

adj. biologically incapable of reproduction or procreation.

“Mules are sterile animals, meaning they cannot have offspring of their own.”

“The hybrid plant was intentionally bred to be sterile, ensuring that it would not spread uncontrollably into the surrounding ecosystem.”

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. lacking new ideas, excitement, or results.

adj. fruitless, uninspiring, or lacking in creative or emotional stimulation.

“The meeting was sterile and we didn't come up with any new plans.”

“Critics argued that the architect's latest design was sterile, lacking the human warmth and character found in his earlier works.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

adj. an area, like in an airport, that is kept safe and free from dangerous objects.

adj. denoting a secure zone, particularly in aviation, that has been cleared of prohibited items via security screening.

“Once you pass through security, you are in the sterile area of the airport.”

“Passengers must remain within the sterile concourse once they have cleared the primary security checkpoint to ensure the integrity of the flight.”

C2 · Proficiency Military American English · Technical

adj. weapons that are made in another country and cannot be traced back to their source.

adj. referring to foreign-made weaponry or equipment that cannot be traced back to the supplying nation.

“The agents were issued sterile weapons for the secret mission.”

“The intelligence agency provided the insurgents with sterile munitions to maintain plausible deniability regarding their involvement in the conflict.”